Strap muscles of the neck

Strap Muscles of the Neck

Strap muscles of the neck, as illustrated in Gray's Anatomy.

The strap muscles of the neck are a group of muscles found in the anterior part of the neck. These muscles include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid muscles. They are so named because of their long, flat appearance, resembling a strap.

Anatomy

The strap muscles are located in the anterior triangle of the neck, and are responsible for movements of the hyoid bone, larynx, and sternum. They are innervated by the ansa cervicalis, a part of the cervical plexus.

Sternohyoid

The sternohyoid muscle is a thin, narrow muscle attaching the hyoid bone to the sternum. It acts to depress the hyoid bone.

Sternothyroid

The sternothyroid muscle is located beneath the sternohyoid muscle, and acts to depress the thyroid cartilage.

Thyrohyoid

The thyrohyoid muscle is a small, quadrilateral muscle appearing like an upward continuation of the sternothyroid muscle. It acts to depress the hyoid bone and elevate the larynx.

Omohyoid

The omohyoid muscle is a two-bellied muscle which depresses and retracts the hyoid bone.

Function

The strap muscles play a crucial role in swallowing and speech by altering the position of the hyoid bone and larynx.

Clinical significance

Due to their location, the strap muscles may be affected in neck surgeries and procedures, such as thyroidectomy and tracheostomy.

See also

• Muscles of the neck
• Anatomy of the human neck