Sternohyoid (Musculus sternohyoideus)

Layer: Muscles

Educational content only — not medical advice.

Anatomy

The broadest superficial infrahyoid strap, running vertically from sternum to hyoid body; it lowers larynx and hyoid after swallowing and steadies the larynx in breathing.

Origin & insertion

Posterior manubrium surface and the sternoclavicular joint capsule.

Action

Depresses the hyoid and larynx in swallowing and speech.

Innervation

Ansa cervicalis (C1–C3).

Clinical notes

Division in thyroidectomy alters the anterior neck contour; its muscular flaps re-cover an exposed thyroid bed postoperatively.

Related structures

Educational references

FAQ

What is the role of the Sternohyoid?

The broadest superficial infrahyoid strap, running vertically from sternum to hyoid body; it lowers larynx and hyoid after swallowing and steadies the larynx in breathing.

Why is the Sternohyoid clinically important?

Division in thyroidectomy alters the anterior neck contour; its muscular flaps re-cover an exposed thyroid bed postoperatively.

Source & license

BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details