Stylohyoid

Written by Max Bidewell

Last updated January 20, 2023 • 3 Revisions

The stylohyoid is a suprahyoid muscle of the neck. It consists of a thin muscular strip, which is located superior to the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. 

  • Attachments: Arises from the styloid process of the temporal bone and attaches to the lateral aspect of the hyoid bone.
  • Actions: Initiates a swallowing action by pulling the hyoid bone in a posterior and superior direction.
  • Innervation: Stylohyoid branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) (arises proximal to the parotid gland).
  • Blood Supply: Branches of the facial, occipital and posterior auricular arteries

Fig 1
Lateral view of the neck with three of the suprahyoid muscles highlighted (digastric, mylohyoid and stylohyoid)

Fig 2
Anterior view of the neck with the suprahyoid muscles highlighted.

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