What is the Difference Between Suprahyoid and Infrahyoid Muscles?

The suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are two groups of muscles located above and below the hyoid bone in the neck, respectively. They play crucial roles in the processes of chewing, swallowing, and phonetics, as well as contributing to the fixation of the hyoid bone, which does not articulate with any other bone.

The suprahyoid muscles include:

1. Digastric
2. Stylohyoid
3. Mylohyoid
4. Geniohyoid

These muscles participate in improving the flexion movement of the neck and are located on three levels: a deep plane formed by the geniohyoid muscle, a medium plane consisting of the mylohyoid muscle, and a surface plane formed by the digastric and stylohyoid muscles. The primary function of the suprahyoid muscles is to elevate the hyoid bone, which is involved in swallowing.

The infrahyoid muscles include:

1. Omohyoid
2. Sternohyoid

These muscles contribute to stabilizing the trachea and play a vital part in swallowing and speech. When the infrahyoid muscles contract, they depress the hyoid bone, allowing the suprahyoid muscles to contract and depress the mandible.

In summary, the main differences between the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are their location relative to the hyoid bone and their specific functions. The suprahyoid muscles are located above the hyoid bone and primarily function to elevate the hyoid bone, while the infrahyoid muscles are located below the hyoid bone and contribute to stabilizing the trachea and playing a vital part in swallowing and speech.

Comparative Table: Suprahyoid vs Infrahyoid Muscles

The suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are two groups of muscles located above and below the hyoid bone in the neck, respectively. They play crucial roles in swallowing, mastication, and speech. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

The suprahyoid muscles, consisting of digastric, stylohyoid, mylohyoid, and geniohyoid muscles, are also known as accessory muscles of mastication as they are mainly involved in swallowing and mastication. The infrahyoid muscles, on the other hand, include sternohyoid, sternothyreoideus, thyrohyoid, and geniohyoid muscles, and they depress the hyoid bone and support the lateral movement of the hyoid bone.