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The Omohyoid is a member of the Infrahyoid Group, which is composed of the:
- Sternohyoid
- Sternothyroid
- Thyrohyoid
- Omohyoid
The omohyoid has two bellies: Inferior belly and Superior belly. These two bellies are connected to each other by the Central Tendon (aka Intermediate Tendon).
ATTACHMENTS:
- The Omohyoid attaches from the scapula to the clavicle to the hyoid bone.
- The inferior belly attaches from the scapula to the clavicle (via a fibrous sling of tissue).
- The superior belly attaches from the clavicle (via a fibrous sling of tissue) to the hyoid bone.
- The aspect of the omohyoid that is between the inferior and superior bellies, and is attached to the clavicle via the fibrous sling of tissue, is known at the central tendon.
ACTIONS:
- Depresses the hyoid bone.
- Flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
- Assists, via stabilization of the hyoid bone, depression of the mandible at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
NOTE: The omohyoid and the digastric are the two muscles of the hyoid group (infrahyoid and suprahyoid groups) to have two bellies.
