What anatomical feature commonly obscures the thyroid notch in infants?

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Prepare for the UCF Anatomy and Physiology Exam in Speech, Language, and Hearing. Explore our extensive multiple-choice quizzes with detailed explanations and study effectively. Ace your SPA3101 exam!

The hyoid bone is a free-floating bone situated in the neck and lies above the thyroid cartilage, which forms part of the laryngeal framework. In infants, the laryngeal structures are positioned higher in the neck compared to adults, and the relative positioning of the hyoid bone can obscure the thyroid notch, which is a prominent feature of the thyroid cartilage. This higher positioning of the larynx allows for easier swallowing in infants as it aligns with the oral cavity, facilitating feeding. Therefore, the presence and location of the hyoid bone play a crucial role in covering or obscuring the thyroid notch in infants.