Sternohyoid muscle

Sternohyoid muscle is a thin, narrow muscle attached to the hyoid bone and sternum, a muscle that does not have much strength but can lower the hyoid bone. This muscle is located in the front of the neck, under the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is part of the infrahyoid muscles group.

Structure

The Sternohyoid muscle originates from the posterior border of the medial end of the clavicle, the posterior sternoclavicular ligament, and the upper and posterior part of the manubrium sterni.

The fibers of the muscle pass upward and medially, and are inserted by a thin aponeurosis into the lower border of the body of the hyoid bone, lateral to the sternothyroid muscle.

Function

The main function of the Sternohyoid muscle is to depress the hyoid bone. This is important during swallowing and speaking.

Clinical significance

Injury to the Sternohyoid muscle can result in difficulty swallowing and speaking. It may also cause neck pain.

See also

• Infrahyoid muscles
• Hyoid bone
• Sternum
• Clavicle

References

Sternohyoid muscle Resources
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