The word "sternothyroid" is a medical term that refers to a muscle located in the neck. Its spelling may seem daunting at first, but it can be broken down into its individual parts. "Stern-" comes from the Latin word for chest, while "-thyroid" refers to the thyroid gland. The combination of these two roots gives us the word "sternothyroid". It is pronounced /stɜːrnoʊˈθaɪrɔɪd/ (stur-noh-thy-roid) in IPA phonetic transcription.
The term "sternothyroid" refers to a small muscle located in the anterior (front) region of the neck. It is part of the infrahyoid muscle group, which is present below the hyoid bone. The sternothyroid muscle originates from the posterior surface of the manubrium (upper portion) of the sternum and extends upward to attach on the oblique line of the thyroid cartilage, specifically at the level of the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
The sternothyroid muscle’s primary function is to lower the larynx by pulling down the thyroid cartilage during swallowing, speaking, or other activities that require movements of the voice box. It works in coordination with other muscles of the neck, helping to stabilize and control the position of the larynx. Alongside the other infrahyoid muscles, such as the sternohyoid and thyrohyoid muscles, the sternothyroid muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper tension and control of the vocal cords.
In addition to its structural and functional significance, the sternothyroid muscle has clinical relevance, particularly in the field of head and neck surgery. Surgeons may selectively dissect or manipulate the sternothyroid muscle during certain procedures to gain access to deeper structures or to achieve specific surgical objectives. Understanding the anatomical relationship and function of the sternothyroid muscle is critical for physicians, anatomists, and other healthcare professionals involved in diagnosing, treating, or studying neck-related conditions.
The word "Sternothyroid" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The first part of the word, "Sterno-", comes from the Latin word "sternum", which means "breastbone". In anatomy, the sternum is a flat bone in the center of the chest.
The second part of the word, "thyroid", comes from the Greek word "thyreoeidēs", which means "shield-shaped". The thyroid gland, located in the neck, has a shape that resembles a shield.
When combined, "Sternothyroid" describes a muscle that is located in the neck, attached to the sternum and thyroid cartilage.