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Muscles/Neck

Neck

stylohyoid ligament

sty-lo-HY-oyd LIG-uh-ment

The stylohyoid ligament is a fibrous band connecting the skull's styloid process to the hyoid bone, providing passive stability in the upper neck. It doesn't contract but supports hyoid movement during swallowing. Relevant for fitness in assessing neck tension from poor posture.

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Common Pain & Injury

Calcification can cause sharp pain under the jaw, mimicking muscle strain, often confused with Eagle syndrome. Pain worsens with head turning. Seek medical eval if persistent.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

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

Insertion

Lesser horn of hyoid bone (hyoid tip).

Actions

  • Passive stabilization of hyoid (no active movement)

Innervation

None (ligament).

Muscle Relationships

Synergists

Stylohyoid muscle

Trigger Points

Not applicable; however, adjacent muscle points refer to same area.

Stretches

1Styloid ligament mobilization
2Hyoid distraction stretch
3Lateral jaw stretch

Common Conditions

Eagle syndromeStylohyoid ligament calcificationHyoid pain syndrome

Anatomical Parts

Right stylohyoid ligamentLeft stylohyoid ligament

FAQ

What is stylohyoid ligament?

A fibrous cord stabilizing the hyoid bone from the skull styloid process.

Stylohyoid ligament pain?

Calcified ligaments cause jaw/throat pain, often in Eagle syndrome.

Stylohyoid ligament eagle syndrome?

Elongated styloid or calcified ligament irritates nearby tissues, causing pain.

Exercises for stylohyoid ligament

8

Also Works stylohyoid ligament

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 ligament

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide