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The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is an organ in the neck that plays a role in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea from food aspiration. The muscles of the larynx can be divided into two groups: the extrinsic muscles, which are attached to the hyoid bone and move the thyroid cartilage, and the intrinsic muscles, which move the vocal cords to produce speech sounds. The infrahyoid muscles, a subgroup of extrinsic muscles, depress the larynx during swallowing and inspiration. This group includes the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle group | Infrahyoid |
| Muscle type | External |
| Function | Depresses the larynx |
| Other functions | Lowers the larynx and hyoid bone |
| Muscle composition | Sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid |
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What You'll Learn
Infrahyoid muscles depress the larynx
The infrahyoid muscles are a group of four pairs of muscles in the anterior (frontal) part of the neck. They are also referred to as strap muscles due to their long and flat shape. The infrahyoid muscles are part of and attach to the lower larynx as well as the inferior aspect of the hyoid bone.
The four infrahyoid muscles are the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles. The thyrohyoid muscle is not considered to be one of the strap muscles. The sternohyoid muscle is the most superficial of all the infrahyoid muscles. The infrahyoid muscles are responsible for the positioning of the hyoid bone along with the suprahyoid muscles. They play an active role in swallowing and the movement of the larynx.
All infrahyoid muscles, except the sternothyroid, depress the hyoid. The thyrohyoid elevates the larynx if the hyoid bone is stabilized by the suprahyoid muscles. The omohyoid has an additional function due to its attachment to the carotid sheath: by pulling the sheath, it maintains a low pressure in the internal jugular vein.
The extrinsic muscles of the larynx are those that are attached to the hyoid bone and move the thyroid cartilage. The suprahyoid muscles are attached to the superior aspect of the hyoid bone and function to fixate and elevate the bone and the larynx. The stylopharyngeus muscle is not attached directly to the hyoid bone, however, it acts indirectly to elevate both the hyoid bone and the larynx.
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Sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles depress the larynx
The larynx, also known as the voice box, is an organ in the top of the neck that is involved in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The muscles of the larynx can be divided into two groups: the external muscles and the internal muscles. The external muscles, or extrinsic muscles, act to elevate or depress the larynx during swallowing. The internal muscles, or intrinsic muscles, act to move the individual components of the larynx, playing a vital role in breathing and phonation.
The extrinsic muscles of the larynx are those that are attached to the hyoid bone, either via origin or insertion, and thus move the thyroid cartilage. The infrahyoid muscles are part of this group and attach to the lower larynx, as well as the inferior aspect of the hyoid bone. The infrahyoid muscles are made up of four muscles: the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid.
The sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles are located in the superficial plane of the infrahyoid muscles, while the sternothyroid and thyrohyoid muscles are located in the deep plane. The omohyoid muscle is comprised of two muscle bellies, which are connected by a muscular tendon. The superior belly arises from the hyoid bone, while the inferior belly arises from the scapula. The omohyoid muscle facilitates speech and swallowing and is involved in depressing the hyoid bone following its elevation during the act of swallowing. This action reopens the laryngeal inlet, which is normally closed during swallowing to prevent inhalation, and reestablishes breathing.
In summary, the sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles are part of the infrahyoid group of extrinsic muscles that depress the larynx. These muscles, along with the other infrahyoid muscles, are responsible for the positioning of the hyoid bone and the larynx.
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Suprahyoid muscles elevate the larynx
The muscles of the larynx are divided into two groups: the extrinsic muscles and the intrinsic muscles. The extrinsic muscles are further divided into the suprahyoid and infrahyoid groups, and the stylopharyngeus. The intrinsic muscles, on the other hand, are the internal muscles that move the individual components of the larynx, playing a vital role in breathing and phonation.
The suprahyoid muscles are a group of four muscles located superior to the hyoid bone. They include the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid muscles. These muscles function to position the hyoid bone and coordinate the movements of the floor of the mouth and the hyoid bone during swallowing or vocalization. They also play an important role in chewing, swallowing, and speech.
The stylohyoid muscle, when contracted, is believed to function as a stabilizer, retractor, and
The digastric muscle has two important functions that assist with swallowing, speech, and mastication. The mylohyoid muscle elevates the hyoid bone and the floor of the mouth when the mandibular attachment is fixed. When the hyoid attachment is fixed, it depresses the mandible. The geniohyoid muscle has its origin on the inferior mental spine, and its fibers radiate to the body of the hyoid.
Overall, the suprahyoid muscles work in conjunction with the infrahyoid muscles to position the hyoid bone and elevate the larynx. The intricate coordination of these muscles ensures that the larynx functions effectively during phonation and airway protection.
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Intrinsic muscles control sound production
The larynx, commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the top of the neck involved in breathing, producing sound, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. The muscles of the larynx can be divided into two groups: extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. The extrinsic muscles act on the region and pass between the larynx and parts around it but have their origin elsewhere. On the other hand, the intrinsic muscles are confined entirely within the larynx and have their origin and insertion there. They are primarily responsible for controlling sound production by adjusting the vocal cords' tension, length, and position.
The intrinsic laryngeal muscles are divided into respiratory and phonatory muscles. The respiratory muscles move the vocal cords apart and serve breathing. The main respiratory muscles are the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles. The posterior cricoarytenoid muscles are the sole abductors of the vocal folds, and thus the only muscle capable of widening the rima glottidis. They open, or abduct, the vocal folds, which is critical for producing "voiceless" sounds that do not require the vocal cords to vibrate. Examples of voiceless sounds include the "f" and "s" sounds.
The phonatory muscles move the vocal cords together and serve the production of voice. They are divided into adductors and tensors. The adductors include the lateral cricoarytenoid muscles and the arytenoid muscles. The lateral cricoarytenoid muscles are the major adductors of the vocal folds. They narrow the rima glottidis, modulating the tone and volume of speech. The sphincter muscles are the transverse arytenoid muscles, the oblique arytenoid muscles, and the aryepiglottic muscles. The tensors include the cricothyroid muscles and the thyroarytenoid muscles. The cricothyroid muscles lengthen and tense the vocal cords. The thyroarytenoid muscles originate from the angle of thyroid cartilage and adjacent cricothyroid ligament. They insert into the anterolateral surface of arytenoid cartilage, shortening and relaxing the vocal cords.
The intrinsic muscles of the larynx also include the interarytenoid muscle. Working in close conjunction with the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, the interarytenoid muscle brings together and stabilizes the arytenoids. When air passes through the closed vocal cords, they vibrate and produce "voiced" sounds, such as the vowels in "pit" or "cat." The interarytenoid muscle is responsible for changing the width of the opening through which the air passes.
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Extrinsic muscles move the thyroid cartilage
The muscles of the larynx are divided into two groups: extrinsic and intrinsic muscles. The extrinsic muscles of the larynx are attached to the hyoid bone, either via origin or insertion, and produce the movements of the hyoid bone. These muscles also move the thyroid cartilage. The extrinsic muscles act on the region and pass between the larynx and parts around it but have their origin elsewhere.
The extrinsic muscles of the larynx can be further divided into two groups: the infrahyoid and suprahyoid muscles. The infrahyoid muscles are part of and attach to the lower larynx as well as the inferior aspect of the hyoid bone. This muscle group includes the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles, which work to lower the larynx and the hyoid bone. The thyrohyoid elevates the larynx, while the sternothyroid depresses the larynx. The omohyoid also has a function in ensuring proper venous blood return through its attachment to the carotid sheath.
The suprahyoid muscles are attached to the superior aspect of the hyoid bone and function to fixate the hyoid bone as well as elevate it along with the larynx. The muscles in this group include the stylohyoid, digastric, and mylohyoid muscles. The stylopharyngeus muscle is not attached directly to the hyoid bone but acts indirectly to elevate both the hyoid bone and the larynx.
The thyroid cartilage is the largest of the nine laryngeal cartilages. It is situated between the cricoid cartilage and the hyoid bone. The thyroid cartilage has two surfaces (internal and external) and three borders/margins (superior, inferior, and posterior). It is composed of two identical flat parts known as the thyroid laminae, which meet at the midline to form a subcutaneous elevation known as the laryngeal prominence, or Adam's apple. The thyroid cartilage is a firm and resilient structure that serves to protect and support the vocal cords. It also participates in the modulation of voice and serves as the attachment point for several ligaments and muscles of the larynx and neck.
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Frequently asked questions
The infrahyoid muscles depress the larynx. This group includes the omohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, and sternohyoid muscles.
The infrahyoid muscles are part of the extrinsic muscles of the larynx.
The extrinsic muscles of the larynx act to elevate, lower, or stabilize the larynx. They also play a role in positioning and stabilizing the larynx during swallowing and speech.
