Final answer:
The styloid process is a downward, elongated projection of the temporal bone located posterior to the mandibular fossa and serves as an attachment site for muscles and a ligament supporting the hyoid bone.
Step-by-step explanation:
The styloid process of the temporal bone is an elongated, downward bony projection located on the external base of the skull, specifically posterior to the mandibular fossa. This structure is so named because of its resemblance to a stylus, a pen or writing tool, and it serves as an attachment site for several small muscles as well as a ligament that supports the hyoid bone of the neck. The question asks to identify the letter that indicates the styloid process in a labeled figure of the temporal bone, which is not presented here. However, typically the styloid process can be distinguished from the mastoid process by its position and shape, with the styloid process being a more slender, pointed projection inferior to the external acoustic meatus and mastoid process, which is a larger, rougher prominence that can be felt behind the earlobe.