INFRAHYOID MUSCLES Meaning and
Definition
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Infrahyoid muscles are a group of muscles located beneath the hyoid bone in the neck region. There are four main muscles included in this group, namely the sternohyoid, omohyoid, thyrohyoid, and sternothyroid muscles. These muscles play a vital role in supporting and stabilizing the hyoid bone, which is a small, U-shaped bone situated at the base of the tongue.
The sternohyoid muscle runs vertically from the sternum (breastbone) to the hyoid bone, aiding in the depression of the hyoid bone during swallowing or speaking. The omohyoid muscle consists of two bellies, one superior and one inferior, extending from the upper border of the scapula to the hyoid bone. It assists in the downward movement of the hyoid during swallowing.
The thyrohyoid muscle connects the thyroid cartilage of the larynx to the hyoid bone, allowing for the elevation and rotation of the larynx during swallowing or speaking. The sternothyroid muscle, meanwhile, runs from the sternum to the thyroid cartilage, helping to depress the larynx when swallowing.
Overall, the infrahyoid muscles collaborate to control the position and movement of the hyoid bone, thus affecting functions such as swallowing, speaking, and breathing.
Etymology of INFRAHYOID MUSCLES
The word "infrahyoid muscles" has its etymology rooted in Latin and Greek.
- "Infra-" is a Latin prefix that means "below" or "beneath".
- "Hyoid" is derived from the Greek word "hüoeidēs", which means "shaped like the letter U".
- "Muscles" is derived from the Latin word "musculus", which means "little mouse".
Therefore, the term "infrahyoid muscles" refers to the group of muscles located below or beneath the hyoid bone, which comprises muscles resembling a U-shaped structure.
