It attaches at the lesser horn of the hyoid bone[1][2] inferiorly,[citation needed] and (the apex of[1]) the styloid process of the temporal bone[1][2] superiorly.

[citation needed] The ligament gives attachment to the superior-most fibres of the middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle.

[1] The stylohyoid ligament frequently contains a little cartilage in its center, which is sometimes partially ossified in Eagle syndrome.

[3] In many animals, the epihyal is a distinct bone in the centre of the stylohyoid ligament, similar to that seen in Eagle syndrome.

[citation needed] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 392 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)