The sternothyroid muscle is in the neck area and is also called the sternothyreoideus. The muscle goes from the sternum, or breastbone, to the hyoid bone. It starts in the manubruim sterni, the uppermost part of the breastbone, and is inserted into the lamina, or thin layers, of thyroid cartilage. It works to depress the larynx, and causes sound. The sternothyroid muscle is shorter than the sternohyoid muscle, and is wider as well. The sternothyroid muscle can be found underneath the sternohyoid muscle. Nerves from the upper cervical nerve through the cervical ansa, or cervical loop, supply the sternothyroid muscle. While it depresses the larynx, it aids in mastication, or chewing, and swallowing. This raising and lowering of the larynx can also affect vocal range. It affects the ability to control pitch. Also, it will affect the volume of the pharyngeal cavity. The sternothyoid muscle controls the ability to eat and make sound. Trauma or injury to this muscle will affect both those abilities.
Written and medically reviewed by the Healthline Editorial Team
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In Depth: Sternothyroid

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