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Muscles/Neck

Neck

sternothyroid

ster-no-THY-royd

The sternothyroid lies deep in the anterior neck, connecting the sternum to the thyroid cartilage. It depresses the larynx for swallowing and voice modulation. Fitness folks value it for neck resilience during compound lifts or contact sports.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain presents as deep soreness in the lower neck or Adam's apple area, often from trauma or repetitive strain. It can refer to the throat. Consult a doctor for persistent pain with hoarseness or breathing issues.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Sternal manubrium (top of breastbone).

Insertion

Oblique line of thyroid cartilage (side of voice box).

Actions

  • Depresses larynx (lowers voice box for swallow)
  • Assists in neck flexion

Innervation

Ansa cervicalis (C1-C3 nerves).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

SternocleidomastoidScalenes

Synergists

SternohyoidThyrohyoid

Trigger Points

Points cluster near the thyroid cartilage insertion, referring pain to the anterior neck, jaw, and occasionally ear.

Stretches

1Laryngeal depression stretch
2Neck extensor stretch
3Anterior neck tilt

Common Conditions

Laryngeal strainCervical myofascial painWhiplash injury

Anatomical Parts

Right sternothyroidLeft sternothyroid

FAQ

Sternothyroid muscle function?

It depresses the larynx to facilitate swallowing and phonation.

Why does my sternothyroid hurt?

Often due to whiplash, poor posture, or vocal overuse causing deep neck pain.

Sternothyroid stretch?

Gently tilt head back while stabilizing chin to elongate it.

Sternothyroid exercises?

Isometric neck presses build strength for better laryngeal control.

Exercises for sternothyroid

8

Also Works sternothyroid

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 sternothyroid

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide