The lesser cornua are two small, conical eminences, attached by their bases to the angles of junction between the body and greater cornua of the hyoid bone.

They are connected to the body of the bone by fibrous tissue

Biological tissue

Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...

, and occasionally to the greater cornua by distinct diarthrodial joint

Joint

A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. They are constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, and are classified structurally and functionally.-Classification:...

s, which usually persist throughout life, but occasionally become ankylosed

Ankylosis

Ankylosis or anchylosis is a stiffness of a joint due to abnormal adhesion and rigidity of the bones of the joint, which may be the result of injury or disease. The rigidity may be complete or partial and may be due to inflammation of the tendinous or muscular structures outside the joint or of...

.

The lesser cornua are situated in the line of the transverse ridge on the body and appear to be morphological

Morphology (biology)

In biology, morphology is a branch of bioscience dealing with the study of the form and structure of organisms and their specific structural features....

 continuations of it.

The apex of each cornu gives attachment to the stylohyoid ligament

Stylohyoid ligament

In connection with the stylohyoideus muscle a ligamentous band, the stylohyoid ligament, may be described.It is a fibrous cord, which is attached to the tip of the styloid process of the temporal bone and the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone....

; the Chondroglossus rises from the medial side of the base.

The lesser cornua are derived from the 2nd pharyngeal arches.