Pinpoint
Muscles/Neck

Neck

omohyoid

oh-mo-HY-oyd

Strap-like muscle with two bellies depressing the hyoid during swallowing and speech. Tautens neck skin and aids large bolus swallows in athletes. Prevents hyoid elevation overload.

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Common Pain & Injury

Strains from whiplash cause anterior neck pain. Visible tendon. Doc for breathing/swallow issues.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Scapula superior angle (top shoulder blade via tendon)

Insertion

Hyoid body (mobile bone under jaw)

Actions

  • Depresses hyoid bone (lowers throat floor)
  • Fixes hyoid during swallowing

Innervation

Ansa cervicalis (C1-C3)

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Mylohyoid

Synergists

SternohyoidDigastric

Trigger Points

Inferior belly; refers to anterior chest/neck.

Stretches

1Hyoid depressor stretch
2Neck extensor strap release

Common Conditions

Omohyoid syndromeHyoid snap

Anatomical Parts

Right omohyoidLeft omohyoid

FAQ

Omohyoid function?

Depresses hyoid for swallowing balance.

Neck strap muscle pain?

Strain shows as tender tendon.

Exercises for omohyoid

8

Also Works omohyoid

1

Related Neck Muscles

arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.

Neck Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use omohyoid

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide