Omohyoid muscle

Omohyoid Muscle

The Omohyoid Muscle (pronounced: oh-mo-HY-oid) is a muscle located in the anterior part of the neck. It is one of the four infrahyoid muscles, which are responsible for the movement of the hyoid bone and larynx during swallowing and speech.

Etymology

The term "Omohyoid" comes from the Greek words "omo" meaning shoulder, and "hyoid" meaning shaped like the letter upsilon (υ). This is due to the muscle's origin from the scapula (shoulder blade) and its insertion to the hyoid bone.

Structure

The Omohyoid Muscle is a thin, flat muscle that is divided into two bellies by an intermediate tendon. The superior belly runs upwards and medially, while the inferior belly runs horizontally across the neck. It originates from the upper border of the scapula and inserts into the lower border of the hyoid bone.

Function

The primary function of the Omohyoid Muscle is to depress the hyoid bone, which is essential during swallowing and speech. It also helps to stabilize the hyoid bone and larynx, and assists in neck flexion and lateral neck rotation.

Related Terms

Infrahyoid muscles: A group of four muscles located beneath the hyoid bone, including the omohyoid muscle.
Hyoid bone: A horseshoe-shaped bone located in the anterior midline of the neck.
Scapula: Also known as the shoulder blade, it is the bone from which the omohyoid muscle originates.
Larynx: Also known as the voice box, it is stabilized and moved by the omohyoid muscle during speech and swallowing.