Muscle Sternohyoid (Stemohyoid)

Muscle Sternohyoid (Stemohyoid): Anatomy and functions

The Sternohyoid muscle, also known as Stemohyoid, is one of the infrahyoid muscles of the neck. It plays an important role in maintaining the stability and functionality of the sublingual area. In this article, we will look at the anatomy and function of the Sternohyoid muscle and its contribution to the normal functioning of the neck.

Anatomy of the Sternohyoid muscle:
The Sternohyoid muscle starts from the manubrium of the sternum (sternum) and goes upward, passing along the front surface of the neck. It then attaches to the hyoid bone. This muscle has a long, narrow shape and belongs to the group of infrahyoid muscles that provide tongue mobility and swallowing.

Functions of the sternohyoid muscle:
The main function of the Sternohyoid muscle is to lower the hyoid bone. When the muscle contracts, it pulls the hyoid bone down, which plays an important role in swallowing and speaking. Thanks to this muscle, the hyoid bone can move to meet the demands of various functions related to language and swallowing.

The role of the sternohyoid muscle in speech and swallowing:
The sternohyoid muscle is an integral part of the process of speech and swallowing. During swallowing, it is activated to lower the hyoid bone, which opens the esophagus and allows food to pass into the stomach. In addition, this muscle is important in the pronunciation of sounds and the articulation of words. It helps control the movement of the tongue and its position, which is necessary for the formation of various sounds and intonations of speech.

Pathologies and dysfunctions:
Like other muscles, the sternohyoid can be subject to various pathological conditions that can lead to disruption of its function. Uncontrolled contraction or weakening of the muscle can cause problems with swallowing, speech, and articulation. In such cases, medical intervention or physical therapy may be required to restore muscle function.

In conclusion, the sternohyoid muscle is an important component of the infrahyoid region of the neck and plays an essential role in swallowing and speech. Its function is to lower the hyoid bone, providing the necessary mobility and control of the tongue. If pathologies or muscle dysfunction occur, problems with swallowing and articulation may occur. Understanding the anatomy and function of the sternohyoid muscle is important for medical, speech and physical therapy professionals to help diagnose and treat related disorders.

In future research, the sternohyoid muscle may be given more attention to more fully understand its role and contribution to neck and speech function. This could lead to the development of new treatment and rehabilitation methods for patients with sternohyoid muscle disorders, improving their quality of life and communication.



The thoracic-hyoid muscle (stemohyoid) is one of the muscles that provides movement of the neck and head. It starts from the manubrium of the sternum, passes through the anterior surface of the neck and attaches to the lower part of the hyoid bone, providing the function of lowering this bone and, therefore, lowering the head and neck.

The pectoral-hyoid muscles provide horizontal movement of the head and also help with swallowing and chewing. They are also involved in maintaining balance and coordinating body movements.

To prevent injuries and damage to the thoracohyoid muscles, it is important to do proper stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles of the neck and upper torso. It is also recommended to avoid sudden movements of the head and neck, and if necessary, use supports such as bandages or cervical collars.



**The sternohyoid muscle** (stemohyoid, Latin, from stemna - chest and hyoideus - epiglottis) is one of the muscles located in the upper part of the neck. Thanks to it, it becomes possible to move the hyoid bone up and down. In this case, the muscle itself starts from the handle on the chest side and goes to the lower part of the collarbone.

Therefore, in order to properly work the sternohyoid muscle, it is important to know how it works. And this is exactly how it works: when this muscle contracts, a lowering occurs.