Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Sterile Processing Technician Practice Exam 2026 - Free Sterile Processing Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The hyoid bone plays a crucial role in supporting the tongue and facilitating the process of swallowing. It is a unique bone located in the neck, not directly connected to any other bone, which allows it to provide a stable base for the tongue's movements. The hyoid bone serves as an anchor for the muscles associated with the tongue and those involved in the swallowing reflex. Its positioning enables these muscles to coordinate effectively during swallowing, ensuring that food and liquids move smoothly from the mouth to the esophagus.

The other options, while they have their own functions, do not specifically support the tongue or play a direct role in the swallowing mechanism. The mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw) are more involved in the mechanical aspects of chewing and securing the teeth, whereas the clavicle connects the arm to the body and does not support the oral structures in question. Thus, the hyoid bone is the answer that directly correlates with the support of the tongue and swallowing functions.