Temporal styloid process

The styloid process is pointed piece of bone that extends down from the human skull, just below the ear.

Structure
The styloid process is a slender pointed piece of bone just below the ear. It projects down and forward from the inferior surface of the temporal bone, and serves as an anchor point for several muscles associated with the tongue and larynx.


 * Its proximal part (tympanohyal) is ensheathed by the vaginal process of the tympanic portion.
 * Its distal part (stylohyal) gives attachment to the following:
 * stylohyoid ligament
 * stylomandibular ligament
 * styloglossus muscle
 * stylohyoid muscle
 * stylopharyngeus muscle.

The stylohyoid ligament extends from the apex of the process to the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone, and in some instances is partially, in others completely, ossified.

Development
The styloid process arises from endochondral ossification of the cartilage from the second branchial arch.