Sternohyoid Muscles Under the Skin

Description

Running vertically in the anterior neck, the paired sternohyoid muscles form narrow, flat strap muscles that ascend from the posterior manubrium of the sternum and medial clavicle to the body of the hyoid bone. They lie deep to the platysma and superficial cervical fascia, close to the midline and immediately anterior to the laryngeal framework and upper trachea. Lateral to the sternohyoid, the sternocleidomastoid defines the oblique contour of the neck, while the carotid sheath contents (common carotid artery in red and internal jugular vein in blue) occupy a deeper, more lateral plane. Inferiorly, fibers of pectoralis major and the superior trapezius help orient the cervicothoracic junction and shoulder girdle. For operative anatomy, this anterior perspective matters because the sternohyoid is one of the first infrahyoid muscles encountered and divided or retracted during thyroidectomy, laryngectomy, and midline tracheostomy, where the surgeon works between strap muscles to reach the tracheal rings while protecting the anterior jugular veins and deeper visceral compartment. Its relationship to the thyroid cartilage, cricoid region, and cervical trachea supports teaching of cervical fascial planes and the way the larynx elevates while these muscles depress the hyoid during swallowing and phonation. Small, but clinically in the way. Use this asset for head and neck anatomy labs, ENT and endocrine surgery texts, and lecture slides on the infrahyoid (strap) muscles, carotid triangle boundaries, and surface anatomy landmarks in the male neck and upper chest. It also fits patient education materials explaining tracheostomy or thyroid surgery incisions and strap muscle retraction. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.