Which strap muscle lies anterior and slightly lateral to the thyroid?

The sternohyoid muscle is the strap muscle that lies anterior and slightly lateral to the thyroid gland. This muscle is part of the infrahyoid group of muscles, which play a role in movements of the hyoid bone and larynx, particularly during swallowing and speaking.

The sternohyoid originates from the sternum and the medial part of the clavicle, and it inserts into the hyoid bone. Its position allows it to exert pressure on the hyoid bone, thus helping with its stabilization and movement during various activities involving the throat. The anatomical relationship of the sternohyoid to the thyroid gland is significant for procedures such as thyroid surgery, where understanding the surrounding musculature is essential for avoiding damage.

While the other strap muscles also have important relationships with the thyroid gland, their positions differ. The sternothyroid muscle is primarily located more posteriorly and is involved in depressing the thyroid cartilage rather than being directly lateral. The thyrohyoid muscle is superior to the thyroid gland, and the omohyoid muscle, while also being lateral, has a more complex anatomical course that includes a superior and inferior belly. Thus, the unique anterior and slightly lateral position of the sternohyoid muscle clearly identifies