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Muscles/Neck

Neck

stylohyoid

sty-lo-HY-oyd

The stylohyoid is a slender muscle from the skull's styloid process to the hyoid bone in the upper neck. It elevates and retracts the hyoid during swallowing. Important for fitness in maintaining neck posture during dynamic movements like cleans.

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Common Pain & Injury

Pain feels sharp under the jaw or side of neck, triggered by yawning or chewing. Common in TMJ issues. See a doctor if swallowing is impaired or pain radiates.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Styloid process of temporal bone (skull projection near ear).

Insertion

Body and greater horn of hyoid bone (under chin bone).

Actions

  • Elevates and retracts hyoid bone (lifts/pulls back for swallow)

Innervation

Facial nerve (CN VII).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

SternohyoidOmohyoid

Synergists

DigastricMylohyoid

Trigger Points

Trigger points near hyoid insertion refer pain to the submandibular area and tongue base.

Stretches

1Styloid stretch
2Hyoid elevation release
3Lateral neck stretch

Common Conditions

Stylohyoid syndromeEagle syndromeTMJ dysfunction

Anatomical Parts

Left stylohyoidRight stylohyoid

FAQ

What does stylohyoid do?

Elevates and pulls back the hyoid bone to aid swallowing and jaw movement.

Stylohyoid pain symptoms?

Sharp pain under jaw from chewing or yawning, linked to TMJ or Eagle syndrome.

How to stretch stylohyoid?

Use lateral neck tilts with jaw protrusion for relief.

Stylohyoid anatomy?

Runs from skull styloid to hyoid, innervated by facial nerve.

Exercises for stylohyoid

8

Also Works stylohyoid

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 stylohyoid

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide