Muscle
Sternohyoid
Superficial strap that lowers the hyoid
High-yield
Sternohyoid receives the ansa cervicalis and acts directly on the hyoid. Its paired position in front of the deeper neck structures is a useful anatomical landmark.
Overview
Sternohyoid ascends near the midline from the upper chest to the hyoid. It lies superficial to the deeper infrahyoid muscles and helps return or hold the hyoid in a lower position during coordinated swallowing and speech.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior manubrium and medial clavicular/sternoclavicular region
- Insertion
- Lower border of the hyoid body near the midline
- Action
- Lowers and stabilizes the hyoid after elevation
- Innervation
- Ansa cervicalis, with C1–C3 fibers
- Blood supply
- Superior thyroid branches to the upper part and inferior thyroid branches to the lower part
Clinical correlation
The thyroid gland and trachea lie deep to the infrahyoid muscle layers. Their position explains why these muscles are encountered during anterior-neck surgery; this relationship alone does not define a safe surgical route.
Frequently asked questions
What does the sternohyoid do?
The sternohyoid lowers and stabilizes the hyoid after elevation.
What nerve innervates the sternohyoid?
The sternohyoid is innervated by the ansa cervicalis, with C1–C3 fibers.
Where does the sternohyoid attach?
Origin: Posterior manubrium and medial clavicular/sternoclavicular region. Insertion: Lower border of the hyoid body near the midline.
What is the blood supply of the sternohyoid?
Superior thyroid branches to the upper part and inferior thyroid branches to the lower part.