7. Hyoid and larynx by way of strap muscle attachments move superiorly and anteriorly (get out of the way). 8. Epiglottis inverts. 9. Larynx closes (bottom to top). 10. Upper esophageal sphincter ...

Medically reviewed by Kashif J. Piracha, MD The hyoid bone is a small horseshoe-shaped bone located in the front of your neck. It sits between the chin and the thyroid cartilage and is instrumental in ...

c: Bolus moves posteriorly as tongue moves backward, hyoid and larynx begin to ascend, and epiglottis tilting. d: Larynx closed, epiglottis inverted, UES begins to open. e: Pharynx constricts ...

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm, the large muscle that sits under the lungs, suddenly spasms, causing the larynx to contract and closing the epiglottis—the little flap that covers your windpipe when ...