Which of the following is NOT a short bone?

Short bones are defined by their roughly cube-like shape and include bones that are approximately as long as they are wide. The primary function of short bones is to provide stability and support while allowing for some limited motion.

In this context, the hyoid bone is not classified as a short bone; it is considered an irregular bone. The hyoid serves an essential role in the structure of the neck and supports the tongue, which is quite distinct from the hyoid's shape and function when compared to the short bones of the body, such as the carpals and tarsals.

Carpals and tarsals are examples of short bones as they fit the geometry of being roughly equal in length and width, facilitating movement in the wrists and ankles. The patella, or kneecap, is classified as a sesamoid bone, which is also different from the category of short bones but serves a distinctive role in protecting the knee joint.

Therefore, identifying the hyoid as not being a short bone is correct because it does not conform to the characteristics and functional role typically associated with short bones.