Neck

sternohyoid

ster-no-HY-oyd

The sternohyoid is a thin, strap-like muscle in the anterior neck that runs from the sternum to the hyoid bone. It depresses the hyoid bone during swallowing and speaking, stabilizing the larynx. For fitness enthusiasts, it's key for neck stability in exercises like deadlifts or overhead presses, preventing strain during heavy breathing.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain in the sternohyoid often feels like a tight band under the chin or soreness in the lower neck, commonly from poor posture, whiplash, or overuse in singing/speaking. It may cause difficulty swallowing or a lump sensation. See a doctor if pain persists with swallowing issues or breathing difficulty.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Sternal manubrium and clavicle (breastbone top and collarbone).

Insertion

Body of hyoid bone (small bone under the chin).

Actions

Depresses hyoid bone (lowers bone under chin during swallow)
Fixates hyoid during laryngeal depression (stabilizes for voice box movement)

Innervation

Ansa cervicalis (C1-C3 nerves).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

DigastricMylohyoid

Synergists

SternothyroidOmohyoid

Trigger Points

Trigger points form in the midbelly along the sternum-to-hyoid line, referring pain locally to the anterior neck and throat, sometimes mimicking thyroid discomfort.

Stretches

1Neck extension tilt

2Chin tuck with extension

3Submandibular stretch

Common Conditions

Neck strainHyoid syndromeWhiplash-associated disorder

Anatomical Parts

Right sternohyoidLeft sternohyoid

FAQ

What does the sternohyoid muscle do?

It lowers the hyoid bone to aid swallowing and speaking while stabilizing the neck during these actions.

Sternohyoid pain causes?

Common from poor posture, whiplash, or vocal strain, feeling like tightness under the chin.

How to stretch sternohyoid?

Use gentle neck extension tilts or chin tucks to lengthen it without straining.

Sternohyoid exercises?

Strengthen indirectly via neck bridges or isometric holds in yoga for stability.

Exercises for sternohyoid

8

Chin To Chest Stretch position 1

Chin To Chest Stretch position 2

Chin To Chest Stretch

Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back position 1

Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back position 2

Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back

beginner·Bodyweight

Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides position 1

Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides position 2

Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides

beginner·Bodyweight

Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance position 1

Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance position 2

Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance

intermediate·other

Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance position 1

Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance position 2

Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance

intermediate·other

Neck-SMR position 1

Neck-SMR position 2

Neck-SMR

intermediate·other

Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance position 1

Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance position 2

Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance

intermediate·other

Side Neck Stretch position 1

Side Neck Stretch position 2

Side Neck Stretch

Also Works sternohyoid

1

Spinal Stretch position 1

Spinal Stretch position 2

Spinal Stretch

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.

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.

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.

Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.

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 sternohyoid