Quick Facts
Origin: Superior border of scapula, medial to superior scapular notch.
Insertion: Intermediate tendon of omohyoid muscle.
Action: Depresses hyoid bone.
Innervation: Ansa cervicalis (C1-C3), from anterior rami of cervical plexus.
Arterial Supply: Infrahyoid branch of superior thyroid artery.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The omohyoid muscle has two bellies, the superior and inferior bellies. The two bellies are connected by an intermediate tendon, which is tethered by a fascial sling to the clavicle and first rib.
The inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle arises from the superior border of the scapula, medial to the superior scapular notch. Occasionally, it may arise from the transverse scapular ligament. Along its course it runs deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Insertion
The inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle inserts into the intermediate tendon, which is attached to the clavicle by a fascial sling.
Actions
Overall, the omohyoid muscle depresses the hyoid bone after it has been elevated (Standring, 2016). It also fixes the hyoid bone in place with it opposes the actions of muscles that elevate the bone.
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
