Muscle
Omohyoid
Two-bellied connection from scapula to hyoid
High-yield
The inferior belly divides the posterior neck triangle into occipital and smaller supraclavicular triangles. Its intermediate tendon lies deep to sternocleidomastoid.
Overview
Omohyoid crosses the lower lateral neck and then ascends toward the hyoid. Its inferior and superior bellies meet at a tendon held by a fascial sling near the clavicle. This arrangement helps stabilize and lower the hyoid.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Inferior belly: superior scapular border near the suprascapular notch; superior belly: intermediate tendon
- Insertion
- Inferior belly: intermediate tendon; superior belly: lower border of the hyoid body
- Action
- Lowers and steadies the hyoid bone
- Innervation
- Ansa cervicalis, carrying fibers from C1–C3
- Blood supply
- Superior thyroid branches to the superior belly; inferior thyroid branches contribute to the inferior belly
Frequently asked questions
What does the omohyoid do?
The omohyoid lowers and steadies the hyoid bone.
What nerve innervates the omohyoid?
The omohyoid is innervated by the ansa cervicalis, carrying fibers from C1–C3.
Where does the omohyoid attach?
Origin: Inferior belly: superior scapular border near the suprascapular notch; superior belly: intermediate tendon. Insertion: Inferior belly: intermediate tendon; superior belly: lower border of the hyoid body.
What is the blood supply of the omohyoid?
Superior thyroid branches to the superior belly; inferior thyroid branches contribute to the inferior belly.