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Sternohyoid

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Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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Last updated:

09/12/2025
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Della Barnes, MS Anatomy
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

What is the Sternohyoid

The sternohyoid is a long, paired, strap muscle running vertically down the front of the neck. It is one of the infrahyoid muscles, along with the thyrohyoid, sternothyroid, and omohyoid. Additionally, it is an extrinsic laryngeal muscle and plays an important role in lowering the hyoid bone and supporting movements such as swallowing and respiration.

Anatomy

Location and Attachments

OriginPosterior surface of the sternal end of the clavicle and the manubrium
InsertionInferior border of the body of the hyoid bone
Sternohyoid Muscle

Origin

The muscle has a broad origin that involves three points:

  • The back of the sternal end of the clavicle
  • The upper posterior aspect of the manubrium of the sternum
  • Along the back of the sternoclavicular ligament

Insertion

Though the muscle fibers of the left and right sternohyoid lie quite far apart as they course upward along the neck, they align obliquely to come closer together. They insert into the lower border of the body of the hyoid bone.

Relations With Surrounding Muscles and Structures

The sternohyoid lies within the inferior carotid triangle of the neck with the other infrahyoid muscles. In this region, it lies deep to the platysma and superficial to the larynx and thymus. The muscle laterally borders the trachea on both sides.

Among the infrahyoid group, the sternothyroid and thyrohyoid muscles lie deep to it. The superior belly of the omohyoid runs lateral to it. Together with the sternothyroid, the sternohyoid forms a plane that separates the superficial anterior jugular vein from the deeper common carotid artery.

Variations

It may vary in size and shape. In some individuals, the contralateral muscles may be fused or even absent on one or both sides. In rare cases, the muscle may originate from the intermediate tendon of the omohyoid rather than from the manubrium. An additional accessory slip, known as the cleidohyoid, may also be present. When present, it extends from the clavicle to the hyoid bone, and may help stabilize the area during swallowing and breathing.

Function

ActionDepressing the hyoid bone and larynx to help with breathing

As part of the infrahyoid muscle group, the sternohyoid depresses the hyoid bone, returning it to its anatomical position after it has been elevated during swallowing or speaking. Lowering the hyoid also helps pull the larynx downward, reopening the airway after swallowing so that breathing can resume. 

In addition, the sternohyoid also contributes to minor head and neck movements.

Antagonists

Although it does not have a specific antagonist, its function as an infrahyoid muscle is opposed by the suprahyoid group, mylohyoid, stylohyoid, digastric, and geniohyoid These muscles elevate the hyoid bone, while the infrahyoid muscles depress it.

Innervation

NerveAnsa cervicalis (C1-C3)

Innervation to this muscle is provided by the ansa cervicalis, a nerve loop created by contributions from the anterior rami of the first three cervical spinal nerves (C1 through C3).

Blood Supply

ArteryInfrahyoid branch of the superior thyroid artery

It receives blood supply from the infrahyoid branch of the superior thyroid artery, which in turn branches off the external carotid artery. 

References

  1. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Sternohyoid Muscle: NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
  2. Sternohyoid Muscle: Kenhub.com
  3. Sternohyoid: TeachMeAnatomy.info
  4. Sternohyoid Muscle: Elsevier.com
  5. Sternohyoid Muscle: Radiopaedia.org
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS AnatomyUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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