The
hyomandibula, commonly referred to as
hyomandibular [bone] (, from , "upsilon-shaped" (υ), and Latin:
mandibula, "jawbone") is a set of bones that is found in the
hyoid region in most fishes. It usually plays a role in suspending the
jaws and/or
operculum (
teleostomi only). It is commonly suggested that in
tetrapods (land animals), the hyomandibula evolved into the columella (
stapes).