Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Superior Belly of Omohyoid Muscle
Muscular System

Superior Belly of Omohyoid Muscle

Venter superior musculi omohyoidei

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Intermediate tendon of omohyoid muscle.

Insertion: Body of hyoid bone.

Action: Depresses hyoid bone.

Innervation: Ansa cervicalis (C1), from anterior rami of cervical plexus.

Arterial Supply: Infrahyoid branch of superior thyroid artery.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

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 superior belly of the omohyoid muscle arises from the intermediate tendon.

Insertion

The superior belly of the omohyoid muscle inserts into the inferior aspect of the body of the hyoid bone, lateral to the attachment of the sternohyoid muscle.

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.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy