The infrahyoid muscles are four strap-like, paired muscles that are situated in the anterior compartment of the neck below the hyoid bone. Because of their appearance, they are also known as strap muscles.

Most of these muscles are attached to the inferior aspect of the hyoid bone, except for the sternothyroid, which connects the sternum with the thyroid cartilage. The rest of the muscles link the hyoid bone with the sternum, clavicle, thyroid cartilage and scapula.

Overall, the infrahyoid neck muscles share a common function - they all depress the hyoid bone. The infrahyoid group includes the following muscles:

The infrahyoid neck muscles can be grouped into two planes according to their position - superficial and deep. The superficial plane includes the sternohyoid and omohyoid muscles, while the thyrohyoid and sternothyroid muscles form the deep plane.

Also, all infrahyoid neck muscles are classified as the accessory muscles of mastication, as they act during swallowing and chewing.

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Infrahyoid neck muscles