Sternohyoid is a medical term that refers to a muscle located in the neck region. Its spelling is pronounced [ˌstɜrnəʊˈhaɪɔid], and it is derived from two words: "sterno" meaning sternum and "hyoid" meaning the bone located in the neck region. The correct spelling of this word is important to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals. Learning how to spell and pronounce medical terminology can help avoid misunderstandings and improve patient care.
The sternohyoid, an anatomical term primarily used in human anatomy, refers to a muscle located in the neck region. The word "sternohyoid" is a combination of two components: "sterno" refers to the sternum (breastbone) and "hyoid" pertains to the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone located in the front of the neck. The sternohyoid muscle connects the sternum to the hyoid bone.
The sternohyoid muscle plays a vital role in facilitating movement and stability of the hyoid bone and the larynx (voice box). It is a thin, strap-like muscle situated in the anterior (front) part of the neck, deep to the platysma muscle. This muscle provides support to the hyoid bone, helps in swallowing, and aids in controlling the position of the larynx during speech and swallowing.
In terms of its anatomical structure, the sternohyoid muscle arises from the posterior surface of the sternum and inserts onto the lower border of the hyoid bone. It is innervated by the ansa cervicalis, a nerve loop formed by fibers originating from the cervical spinal nerves. The blood supply to the sternohyoid muscle is provided by branches of the superior thyroid artery and the superior thyroid vein. This muscle works synergistically with other muscles of the neck to perform essential functions, such as swallowing, speaking, and maintaining the stability of the larynx during these activities.
The word "Sternohyoid" is derived from two Latin roots: "Stern(o)-" and "-hyoid".
1. "Stern(o)-": This comes from the Latin word "sternum", which means "breastbone" or "chest". In medical terminology, the prefix "stern(o)-" refers to something related to the sternum or breastbone.
2. "-hyoid": This suffix comes from the Greek word "húoeidḗs", meaning "shaped like the letter U". In anatomy, the term "hyoid" refers to the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone located in the neck that supports the tongue and helps with swallowing.
When these two roots are combined, the word "Sternohyoid" refers to a specific muscle found in the neck.