Thyrohyoid

The thyrohyoid (also thyrohyoid muscle, latin: musculus thyrohyoideus) is a muscle located in the neck region between the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone that depresses the hyoid bone. The thyrohyoid belongs to the infrathyroid muscle group.

Origin

The thyrohyoid originates from the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage.

Insertion

The thyrohyoid inserts onto the greater horn of the hyoid bone.

Action

Contractions of the thyrohyoid pull the hyoid bone downward, and bring the hyoid bone and the thyroid cartilage closer together.

Innervation

The thyrohyoid is innervated by the first cervical spinal nerve (C1), which joins the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) for a short distance.