Thyrohyoid membrane
Membrana thyreohyoidea
- Latin synonym: Membrana thyrohyoidea
Definition
The thyrohyoid membrane (membrana thyrohyoidea; formerly hyothyroid membrane) is a broad fibroelastic layer attached inferiorly to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage and to the anterior surface of its superior cornu, and superiorly to the upper margin of the posterior surface of the body and greater cornua of the hyoid bone. It passes behind the posterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone and is separated from it by a mucous bursa, which facilitates the upward movement of the larynx during swallowing.
The thicker central portion is called the median thyrohyoid ligament (ligamentum thyrohyoideum medium), while the thinner lateral portions are pierced by the superior laryngeal vessels and the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
Its anterior surface is related to the thyrohyoid, sternohyoid, and omohyoid muscles, as well as to the body of the hyoid bone.
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