Sternohyoid muscle

The sternohyoid muscle is a strong strap-like muscle, which originates from the manubrium of sternum and the firs rib (carnivores) and inserts on the basihyoid bone. I meets its contralateral partner on the midline of the neck and they extend cranially, covering the ventral surface of the trachea.

Origin: Deep surface of the manubrium sterni and the cranial edge of the first costal cartilage.

Insertion: Basihyoid bone.

Action: Pulls the basihyoid bone and tongue caudally.

Nerve: ventral branches of cervical nerves, and sometimes hypoglossal nerve