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The thyroid is not a muscle. Instead, it is an endocrine gland located in the neck, in front of the trachea. The thyroid gland is surrounded by several muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, omohyoid, and thyrohyoid. These muscles play a role in protecting and supporting the thyroid gland and facilitating various functions such as swallowing and vocalization. The thyroid itself is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and influence various physiological processes in the body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of gland | Endocrine |
| Location | Midline, anterior neck |
| Position | In front of the trachea |
| Muscles that cover its lateral and anterior borders | Sternocleidomastoid and infrahyoid muscles |
| Muscles that cover its posterior border | Sternothyroid and sternohyoid muscles |
| Blood supply | Superior and inferior thyroid arteries |
| Lymphatic drainage | Prelaryngeal, pretracheal, and paratracheal nodes |
| Innervation | Vagus nerve |
| Thyroid cartilage attachment | Sternothyroid muscle |
| Thyrohyoid muscle function | Depresses and fixes the hyoid bone and larynx |
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What You'll Learn
The thyroid gland is not a muscle, but a gland with a rich blood supply
The thyroid gland is not a muscle. It is a midline endocrine gland located in the anterior neck, in front of the trachea. The thyroid region has an extensive blood supply, with the superior and inferior thyroid arteries providing the main arterial supply. These two arteries have a rich collateral system composed of many branches and anastomoses. The superior thyroid artery is a branch of the external carotid artery, which arises near the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage. It then moves anterior, inferior, and towards the midline behind the sternothyroid muscle to the superior pole of the lobe of the thyroid gland. The superior thyroid artery also has a superficial branch that runs along the sternothyroid and thyrohyoid muscles, supplying branches to these muscles as well as the sternohyoid.
The inferior thyroid artery is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk, which arises from the subclavian artery. Most of its branches supply blood to the lateral aspect of the thyroid gland and the lateral muscles of the thyroid region. Specifically, the muscular branches of the inferior lateral artery supply the infrahyoid, anterior scalene, longus colli, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscles. In about 10% of people, an additional artery called the thyroid ima may be present and contribute to the blood supply of the thyroid.
The thyroid gland is surrounded by several muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid and the infrahyoid muscles, which cover its lateral and anterior borders. The sternocleidomastoid is a large muscle located in the posterior triangle of the neck. It runs anterior to the common carotids and is a typical landmark during neck surgery. The infrahyoid muscles include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, omohyoid, and
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The thyrohyoid is a muscle that works with the infrahyoid muscles
The thyroid is not a muscle, but a gland. However, there is a muscle called the thyrohyoid, which is one of the infrahyoid muscles.
The infrahyoid muscles are a group of four pairs of muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck. They are the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid muscles. The thyrohyoid is a short band of muscle, thought to be a continuation of the sternothyroid muscle. It originates at the oblique line of thyroid cartilage and inserts on the inferior border of the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone. The thyrohyoid is situated deep below the superior belly of the sternohyoid muscle and the superior portion of the omohyoid muscle.
The thyrohyoid has two major functions. Firstly, it acts in conjunction with the other infrahyoid muscles to depress the hyoid bone, which is helpful after swallowing has taken place. Secondly, when the hyoid bone is stabilized by the suprahyoid muscles, the thyrohyoid elevates the larynx. This is important for vocalists who try to hit high notes. The thyrohyoid controls the position and shape of the larynx, aiding in making sound.
The thyrohyoid is innervated by nerve fibres from the anterior rami of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1), which reaches the muscle via the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII). The arterial blood supply to the thyrohyoid is provided by branches of the superior thyroid artery and of the lingual artery.
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The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a typical landmark during neck surgery
The thyroid is an endocrine structure located in the anterior neck, in front of the trachea. It is surrounded by muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid, which is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a key anatomical landmark within the neck region. It divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles, helping to define the location of structures such as the lymph nodes for the head and neck. It is also important in identifying the correct location for central venous catheterization.
The muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve, which is located on the same side. It receives motor innervation from the ipsilateral spinal accessory nerve (CN XI). The function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is to rotate the head to the opposite side and flex the neck. It also acts as an accessory muscle of respiration.
Injuries and tension within the sternocleidomastoid muscle can lead to pain and stiffness. Treatment options include surgery, stretching, physical therapy, and osteopathic manipulation.
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The thyroid region has an extensive blood supply
The thyroid is not a muscle, but an endocrine gland located in the anterior neck, between the C5 and T1 vertebrae. It is said to have a butterfly shape and plays a crucial role in secreting hormones directly into the circulation.
The venous drainage of the thyroid region is facilitated by the superior, middle, and inferior thyroid veins. These veins form a venous plexus around the thyroid gland. The superior and middle thyroid veins drain into the internal jugular vein, while the inferior thyroid veins drain into the left and right brachiocephalic veins.
Additionally, the thyroid region has an abundant lymphatic supply, including the prelaryngeal, paratracheal, pretracheal, and cervical nodes. These nodes play a crucial role in draining different parts of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid region is also surrounded and influenced by various muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid, infrahyoid, and thyrohyoid muscles. These muscles provide structural support, aid in swallowing, and facilitate vocalization.
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The thyroid is located in the anterior neck
The thyroid is not a muscle, but rather an endocrine gland that releases hormones into the bloodstream. It is located in the anterior neck, in front of the trachea, and is shaped like a butterfly with two lobes connected by the thyroid isthmus. The thyroid is surrounded by several muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid and the infrahyoid muscles, which include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, omohyoid, and thyrohyoid. The lateral surface of the thyroid is comprised of the sternothyroid muscle, which attaches to the thyroid cartilage and supports the superior pole of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid is located just above the collarbones and below the voice box (larynx). It is not usually visible or palpable from the outside, and a neck check self-exam can be performed to check for any lumps or enlargements that may indicate a thyroid condition. The thyroid region has an extensive blood supply, with the superior and inferior thyroid arteries providing the main arterial supply. The superior and middle thyroid veins provide venous drainage for the region.
The thyrohyoid muscle, which is considered a cranial extension of the sternothyroid, originates from the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage. It acts in conjunction with the other infrahyoid muscles to depress the hyoid bone and elevate the larynx, which is important for vocalists trying to hit high notes. The thyrohyoid muscle also controls the position and shape of the larynx, aiding in sound production.
The thyroid plays a crucial role in the body's endocrine system by producing and releasing hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4), which is stimulated by thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. Thyroid hormones affect almost every organ system in the body, including the cardiovascular system, by regulating cardiac output, heart rate, and the strength of heart contractions.
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Frequently asked questions
The thyroid is a midline endocrine gland located in the anterior neck.
No, the thyroid is a gland. However, there is a muscle called the thyrohyoid muscle, which is one of the infrahyoid muscles.
The thyrohyoid muscle has two major functions. Firstly, it depresses the hyoid bone, which is helpful after swallowing. Secondly, when the hyoid bone is stabilized by the suprahyoid muscles, the thyrohyoid elevates the larynx, which is important for vocalists trying to hit high notes.
The thyroid gland lies in front of the trachea, and the sternocleidomastoid and infrahyoid muscles cover its lateral and anterior borders. The thyrohyoid muscle is situated deep to the superior belly of the sternohyoid muscle and the superior portion of the omohyoid muscle.
The thyroid gland and the thyrohyoid muscle are supplied blood by the superior and inferior thyroid arteries.
