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Omohyoid

Region

Origin & Insertion

['Origin: Superior border of scapula', 'Insertion: Body of hyoid bone']

Synergistic Muscles

['Sternohyoid', 'Sternothyroid']

Joints

['None']

Primary Actions

['Depresses hyoid bone']

Nerve & Spinal Segment

Ansa cervicalis (C1–C3)

Cervical plexus; C1–C3

Interesting

Has two bellies connected by an intermediate tendon. [Moore's]

Reversal of Action

Anchor hyoid while moving scapula downward (via fascial connection)

Common Dysfunctions

Neck tension, altered cervical fascial tension

How to Stretch

Lateral neck stretch with downward shoulder pull.

Trigger Points

How to Strengthen

Tongue-down and chin-tuck drills.

Concentric Action

Depress and retract hyoid

Applications:

May influence tension headaches and neck fascial lines

Eccentric Action

Control return of hyoid post-depression

Isotonic Action

Neck rotation with hyoid depression

Related Conditions

['Dysphonia', 'Neck muscle imbalance']

Isometric Action

Hold depressed hyoid position

Exercise Ideas

['Strap muscle isometrics', 'Hyoid retraction', 'Swallow & resist']

Related Blogs

Images

Videos

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