Maximus Gage
The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is an organ in the neck that plays a crucial role in breathing, sound production, and protecting the trachea from food aspiration. The muscles of the larynx can be divided into two groups: intrinsic and extrinsic. The extrinsic muscles, also known as strap muscles, are responsible for raising, lowering, or stabilizing the larynx. These include the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, with the former elevating the larynx and the latter depressing it. On the other hand, the intrinsic muscles govern the movement of the individual components of the larynx, such as the vocal cords, and play a vital role in breathing and phonation. This article will focus on the extrinsic muscles that elevate the larynx, including their anatomy and functions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Groups | Suprahyoid, Infrahyoid |
| Suprahyoid Muscles | Digastric, Stylohyoid, Mylohyoid, Geniohyoid, Sternohyoid, Thyrohyoid |
| Infrahyoid Muscles | Sternohyoid, Sternothyroid, Thyrohyoid, Omohyoid |
| Other Elevating Muscles | Stylopharyngeus, Palatopharyngeus, Genioglossus |
| Function | Elevation of the Larynx, Phonation, Swallowing |
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What You'll Learn
The suprahyoid muscles
The digastric muscle has two bellies with different innervations. The anterior belly is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve, while the posterior belly is innervated by the facial nerve, or cranial nerve VII. The digastric muscle is involved in depressing the mandible and elevating the hyoid bone. When the two bellies of the digastric contract, they pull upward on the hyoid bone, assisting in extreme mouth openings such as yawning or taking large bites.
The mylohyoid muscle elevates the hyoid bone and tenses the floor of the mouth. It forms the actual muscle plate that bridges between the two rami of the mandible, creating the oral diaphragm that separates the sublingual and submandibular regions.
The geniohyoid muscle is located on either side of the midline of the neck, deep to the mylohyoid muscle. It arises from the inferior mental spine of the mandible and attaches to the hyoid bone. The geniohyoid depresses the mandible and elevates the hyoid bone, pulling it anterosuperiorly and shortening the floor of the mouth while widening the pharynx during swallowing.
The stylohyoid muscle is a thin muscular strip located superiorly to the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. It arises from the styloid process of the temporal bone and attaches to the lateral aspect of the hyoid bone. The stylohyoid elevates and retracts the hyoid bone, lengthening the floor of the mouth and helping to keep the pharynx open during inspiration.
Overall, the suprahyoid muscles work together to position the hyoid bone and facilitate important functions such as swallowing and speech.
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The stylopharyngeus
By elevating the pharynx and larynx, the stylopharyngeus plays an important role in swallowing and speaking. These actions are possible due to the innervation received from the glossopharyngeal nerve. The swallowing reflex is triggered once the food bolus touches the pharyngeal wall, causing the pharyngeal constrictor muscles to propel the bolus through the pharynx towards the oesophagus. The stylopharyngeus, as one of the internal pharyngeal longitudinal muscles, then elevates the pharynx to receive the food bolus.
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The digastric muscle
The posterior belly of the digastric muscle originates at the medial surface of the mastoid notch of the temporal bone. It travels anteroinferiorly towards the hyoid bone, passing through the stylohyoid muscle and attaching to the intermediate tendon. The anterior belly, on the other hand, originates from the digastric fossa of the lower border of the mandible, near the midline. It extends posteroinferiorly from the mandible, joining with the intermediate tendon. The two bellies unite above the hyoid bone, forming the intermediate tendon, which is encircled by a U-shaped fibrous tissue sling.
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The mylohyoid muscle
Variations in the mylohyoid muscle are not common, but accessory mylohyoid muscles have been observed in some individuals. The muscle may also be divided into anterior and posterior portions, with the sublingual gland occupying the space between these portions. Conditions that can affect the mylohyoid muscle include a focal discontinuity, which can allow the sublingual salivary gland, fat, or vessels to protrude into the submandibular space.
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The geniohyoid muscle
The main function of the geniohyoid muscle is to elevate the hyoid bone and draw it forward and upward. This dilates the upper airway, assisting respiration and voice production. During the first act of deglutition, when the mass of food is being driven from the mouth into the pharynx, the hyoid bone, and with it the tongue, is carried upward and forward by the geniohyoid muscle. This dilates the pharynx, preparing it to receive food. If the hyoid bone is fixed, the geniohyoid muscle assists in depressing the mandible and pulling it inwards, helping to open the mouth.
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Frequently asked questions
The suprahyoid muscles and the stylopharyngeus elevate the larynx.
The suprahyoid muscles are attached to the superior aspect of the hyoid bone and function to elevate the larynx. These muscles include the stylohyoid, digastric, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid.
The extrinsic muscles of the larynx are those that are attached to the hyoid bone and move the thyroid cartilage. They are divided into the infrahyoid and suprahyoid groups.
The stylopharyngeus muscles stretch from the styloid process in the temporal bone to the thyroid cartilage. Their function is to elevate the larynx and the pharynx.
The thyrohyoid, mylohyoid, digastric, and stylohyoid muscles also elevate the larynx.
