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Strap muscles, also known as infrahyoid muscles, are a group of four pairs of muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck. They are called strap muscles because of their long and flat shape, resembling a strap. The four infrahyoid muscles are the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid muscles. These muscles are responsible for depressing the hyoid during swallowing and are important for functions related to speech, swallowing, and the movement of the larynx. They are also involved in certain medical conditions and surgical procedures, such as thyroid surgery and the treatment of teratomas.
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What You'll Learn
Infrahyoid muscles are also known as strap muscles
Strap muscles are a group of long, flat muscles that resemble straps and are located just below the hyoid bone, running along the neck and onto the shoulder. They are also referred to as infrahyoid muscles, which refers to the region below the hyoid bone.
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. These muscles either originate from or insert onto the hyoid bone, which is a U-shaped bone located in the anterior part of the neck, between the jaw and the collarbone. The hyoid bone supports the tongue and provides attachments for various muscles, including those involved in swallowing and speech.
The infrahyoid muscles have a complex pattern of innervation. Three of these muscles, the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and omohyoid, are innervated by the ansa cervicalis, a nerve loop formed by axons exiting the spinal cord within the ventral rami of C1 to C3 and then joining the cervical plexus. The thyrohyoid muscle, on the other hand, is innervated by fibers from the first cervical spinal nerve, which travel with the hypoglossal nerve.
These strap muscles play an important role in modifying the internal relationship of laryngeal cartilages and folds. They also assist in lowering the larynx, which is crucial for pitch production, especially during descending pitches. In addition, they are involved in swallowing and the movement of the larynx, by controlling the positioning of the hyoid bone.
Any trauma or injury to the cervical spine or the ansa cervicalis nerve can result in paresis or paralysis of the infrahyoid muscles. This can lead to clinical symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, a hoarse voice, and throat tightness. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious during medical interventions in the cervical region to avoid nerve injuries and ensure the proper functioning of these essential strap muscles.
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Strap muscles are a group of four paired muscles
Strap muscles, also known as the infrahyoid muscles, are a group of four paired muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck. The four infrahyoid muscles are the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid muscles. The term 'infrahyoid' refers to the region below the hyoid bone, while the term 'strap muscles' refers to the long and flat muscle shapes, resembling a strap or belt.
The infrahyoid muscles are located in the anterior part of the neck and are inferior to the hyoid bone. They connect the hyoid bone to the sternum, larynx, and scapula. These muscles work together with the suprahyoid muscle group to enable several functions related to speech, swallowing, and the movement of the larynx, by controlling the positioning of the hyoid bone.
The sternohyoid muscle is the most superficial of all the infrahyoid muscles. It originates from the posterior surface of the manubrium of the sternum and the posterior surface of the medial end of the clavicle, and inserts on the inferior border of the body of the hyoid bone. The sternohyoid receives its blood supply from branches of the superior thyroid artery.
The thyrohyoid muscle constitutes the continuation of the sternothyroid, originating at the oblique line of thyroid cartilage and inserting on the inferior border of the thyroid cartilage. The thyrohyoid muscle, along with the omohyoid and sternothyroid muscles, receives its blood supply from branches of the superior thyroid and lingual arteries.
The omohyoid muscle is divided into a superior and inferior belly. The inferior belly originates at the superior border of the scapula, ascends craniomedially, and merges into an intermediate tendon at the height of the lateral cervical region. The superior belly then originates from this tendon and attaches to the body of the hyoid bone. The omohyoid is innervated by the ansa cervicalis, arising from the cervical plexus.
The stylopharyngeus muscle is often considered to be one of the strap muscles, although it is not an infrahyoid muscle.
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They are located in the anterior part of the neck
The strap muscles, also known as the anterior neck muscles or superficial cervical flexors, are a group of muscles located in the anterior (front) part of the neck. These muscles are called the "strap" muscles because they resemble straps or flat bands running vertically along the neck. The strap muscles consist of two pairs of muscles: the sternocleidomastoid and the scalene muscles.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a long, thick muscle that originates from two points on the sternum (breastbone) and clavicle (collarbone) and inserts on the mastoid process, which is a bony protrusion behind the ear. This muscle is easily visible and palpable (able to be felt) in the anterior neck, creating a prominent landmarker when contracting or moving the neck.
Now, moving to the scalene muscles, they are found deep to the sternocleidomastoid and are comprised of three muscles: the scalenes anterior, medius, and minimus. These muscles originate from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and attach to the first and second ribs. The scalene muscles are smaller in size compared to the sternocleidomastoid, but they play an essential role in neck movements and breathing.
Being located in the anterior neck region, the strap muscles serve several important functions. Firstly, they are responsible for flexion, extension, and rotation of the neck, allowing movements such as nodding and shaking the head. Additionally, these muscles also assist in breathing by elevating the ribs and sternum, facilitating inhalation and exhalation.
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They are involved in speech, swallowing and movement of the larynx
The strap muscles, also known as the infrahyoid muscles, play a crucial role in our daily functions, including speech, swallowing, and moving the larynx. The infrahyoid muscles are a group of four muscles located in the front of the neck, just below the hyoid bone, which is a U-shaped bone at the base of the tongue. These four muscles are the omohyoid, sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles.
When we speak, swallow, or move our larynx, these strap muscles contract and relax in a coordinated manner to produce precise movements. For example, during speech, the larynx must move up and down, and the strap muscles help to elevate and depress it, contributing to the vocal sounds we produce. The thyrohyoid muscle, in particular, plays a key role in this movement, as it attaches to the thyroid cartilage of the larynx and the hyoid bone, providing support and facilitating laryngeal elevation.
Swallowing, or deglutition, is a complex process that also relies on the precise coordination of many muscles, including the strap muscles. During swallowing, food or liquid travels from the mouth, through the pharynx, and into the esophagus. The strap muscles contract to assist in this process by pulling on the hyoid bone and larynx, opening the upper esophageal sphincter and allowing food to pass through safely. This movement also prevents food or liquid from entering the trachea, which could lead to aspiration.
Additionally, the strap muscles are involved in moving the larynx during certain facial expressions and emotional displays. For example, when we laugh, cry, or shout, the larynx moves up and down, and the strap muscles contract and relax to facilitate this movement. This movement of the larynx also helps to modulate the tone and volume of our voice, demonstrating the crucial role of the strap muscles in our ability to communicate effectively.
In summary, the strap muscles are integral to our daily lives, enabling us to speak, swallow, and express ourselves effectively. Their coordinated contractions and relaxations facilitate the movement of the larynx and hyoid bone, ensuring our safety and contributing to our unique vocal capabilities. Understanding the function of these muscles provides valuable insight into the intricate workings of the human body and the remarkable precision required for even the simplest of daily tasks.
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Strap muscles are involved in thyroid surgery
The infrahyoid muscles, or strap muscles, are a group of four pairs of muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck. They are called strap muscles because they resemble long, flat straps. The four infrahyoid muscles are the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and omohyoid muscles. The stylopharyngeus muscle is also considered one of the strap muscles, although it is not an infrahyoid muscle.
The strap intermuscular approach is a newer surgical technique that can significantly increase the exposure rate of the EBSLN during thyroid surgery. This approach provides a better view of the surgical field and allows for more precise dissection, reducing the risk of injury to the EBSLN. The U-shaped strap muscle flap (USMF) technique is another approach that provides excellent exposure of the surgical field and facilitates the preservation of important structures such as the EBSLN, the RLN (recurrent laryngeal nerve), the cricothyroid muscles, and the parathyroid gland (PG).
The choice between dividing the strap muscles unilaterally or bilaterally during thyroid surgery can also impact postoperative voice and swallowing outcomes. Some studies suggest that unilateral division results in better high-voice pitch outcomes, while others find that changes in the external laryngeal frame, including the strap muscles, can lead to increased or decreased voice pitch.
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Frequently asked questions
Strap muscles, also known as infrahyoid muscles, are a group of four pairs of muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck.
The four infrahyoid muscles are the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid and omohyoid muscles.
The term infrahyoid refers to the region below the hyoid bone.
The term strap muscles refers to the long and flat muscle shapes that resemble a strap.
Some examples of strap muscles include the zygomatic minor (the contempt muscle) and the zygomatic major (the laughter muscle).
