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Sternohyoid

The sternohyoid (Latin: musculus sternohyoideus) is a thin strap-like neck muscle extending between the sternum and the hyoid bone. Together with the omohyoid, sternothyroid and thyrohyoid muscles, it is classified as the infrahyoid muscle. The sternohyoid also belongs to the anterior neck muscles group.

Sternohyoid
OriginManubrium of sternum
InsertionBody of hyoid bone
ActionDepresses hyoid bone
Innervation Anterior rami of 1st to 3rd cervical spinal nerves (C1-C3) via ansa cervicalis
Blood supply Superior thyroid artery

 

Origin

The sternohyoid originates from the manubrium of the sternum.

Sternohyoid muscle, Sternohyoid, Infrahyoid muscles, Head and neck muscles, Neck muscles, Anterior neck muscles, Infrahyoid muscles of the neck, Sternohyoid muscle colored blue
Sternohyoid muscle by Anatomy.app

 

Insertion

The sternohyoid muscle inserts on the inferior aspect of the body of the hyoid bone.

 

Action

The primary function of the sternohyoid is to depress the hyoid bone.

 

Innervation

Nerve supply to the sternohyoid muscle is provided by the anterior rami of the 1st to 3rd cervical spinal nerves (C1 - C3) via the ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus.

 

Blood supply

The sternohyoid receives arterial blood supply from the superior thyroid artery - a branch of the external carotid artery.