Thyrohyoid muscle

The Thyrohyoid muscle (pronunciation: /ˌθaɪroʊˈhaɪɔɪd ˈmʌsəl/) is a small skeletal muscle on the neck which functions to depress the hyoid and elevate the larynx.

Etymology

The term "Thyrohyoid" is derived from the Greek words "thyreos" meaning shield, and "hyoeides" meaning shaped like the letter upsilon; thus, "thyrohyoid" refers to the muscle's location and its connection between the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone.

Anatomy

The Thyrohyoid muscle originates from the oblique line on the lamina of the thyroid cartilage, and it inserts into the lower border of the hyoid bone. It is innervated by the first cervical spinal nerve via the hypoglossal nerve.

Function

The primary function of the Thyrohyoid muscle is to depress the hyoid bone and elevate the larynx, especially during swallowing and speaking.

Related Terms

Hyoid bone: A horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage.
Thyroid cartilage: The largest of the nine cartilages that make up the laryngeal skeleton, the cartilage structure in and around the trachea.
Hypoglossal nerve: The twelfth cranial nerve, responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of the tongue.