Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The relationship among the orofacial system and the rest of the body ,both in functional and anatomical terms was the subject of numerous scientific studies. The optimum position of the bone structures of orofacial system provides performance of intact vital functions, such as breathing or swallowing. Hyoid bone represents a link between the head and neck. Although located in the neck, hyoid bone due to its brachial origin belongs to the visceral skeleton. THE PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: a) To determine the position of the hyoid bone, in relation to the cranial base, mandible and cervical part of the vertebra; b) To determine the linear measures of hyoid bone and its constituents and c) to Identify on the profile teleroengen image, whether there are differences in the position of hyoid bone depending on the saggital maxillo-mandibular relationship. THE EXAMINEES AND METHODS: 30 profile teleroengen images of patients aged 17-18 years of both sexes were used for this study. To study the position of hyoid bone depending on the saggital maxillo-mandibular relationship respondents were divided into groups based on the ANB-angle values. The first group is ortognat patients with ANBangle values, from 1 to 4°. The second group included patients with distal jaw relationship, that is, whose values of ANB-angle were greater than / or 5°. The third group consists of patients with ANB-angle value of 0 or negative. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The position of hyoid bone is not constant, but depends on the maxillo-mandibular anterior posterior relationships. Length of hyoid bones and greater horns of hyoid bone differs with respect to the sagittal malocclusion. In relation to the cranial base and maxillary bones flat position of the hyoid bone is highly correlated. A positive correlation was found with relation to the cervical vertebra, while the dependence is determined in relation to the steep mandibular plane.