Stylohyoid
Introduction
The stylohoid is a slender muscle and part of the four suprahyoid muscles.On some occasions the muscle is absent or comes in a pair. It lies on the upper border of posterior digastrics muscle. It also lies medially to the external carotid artery[1]
Origin
The stylohyoid muscle originates from the posterior or posterolateral surface of the styloid process, near its base.[1]
Insertion
Passing downward and forward, it inserts into the body of the hyoid bone at its junction with the greater cornua (and just above the attachment of the superior belly of omohyoid).
It is perforated near its insertion by the intermediate tendon of digastrics muscles.[1]
Action
- Elevates the hyoid bone and draws it backwards, elongating the floor of the mouth.[1]
- Help to maintain airway during inspiration[2]
- With other suprahyoid muscles assists with chewing, swallowing.[1]
Nerve supply
Stylohyoid is innervated by the stylohyoid branch of the facial nerve.[3]
Vascular supply
Stylohyoid receives its blood supply from branches of the facial, posterior auricular and occipital arteries all of which are large branches of the external carotid artery.[1][3]
Clinical relevance
- For Marginal Mandibular Nerve Palsy, stylohyoid muscle transfer is a possible second surgical option whereas the digastric muscle is the most preferred option. [4]
- Eagle syndrome: It also known as the stylohyoid complex syndrome which occurs due to the partial ossification of ligament of stylohyoid.The main symptoms of the syndrome include: nonspecific neck pain, a foreign body sensation in the throat, painful swallowing (odynophagia), ear pain (otalgia), temporomandibular joint pain, difficulty opening the mouth (trismus), voice changes, and a sensation of excessive saliva. For its management, pharmacological or surgically treatment can be considered. Conservative management includes non steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs or drugs used to treat neuralgic pain . Although above mentioned treatment only provides temporary relieve, surgery will need to be done to relieve the symptoms permanently.[3]
- Stylohyoid muscle is supplied by facial nerve. The facial nerve has a significant contribution to the oropharyngeal phase of deglutition through various muscles. Paralysis or weakness of the stylohyoid may occur if the facial nerve gets damaged causing difficulty in swallowing.
- Pathologic conditions associated with the stylohyoid muscle may result in cervical and pharyngeal symptoms such as neck pain laterally in the area of the angle of the mandible, submandibular space, and anterior upper neck. The pain may get exacerbated by movements such as speaking, swallowing, yawning, or head-turning.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Lee JW, Kim S, Larnani Sri, Muhammad, Park YS. The Stylohyoid Muscle Revisited: Anatomy and Clinical Implications. Journal of Anatomical Society of India [Internet]. 2023 Apr 1 [cited 2024 Dec 16];72(2):169–72.
- ↑ Stylohyoid muscle [Internet]. Kenhub. Available from: https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/stylohyoid-muscle
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Taneja S, Chand S, Dhar S. Stylalgia and Styloidectomy: A Review. Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery [Internet]. 2022 Apr 26 [cited 2024 Dec 16];22(1):60–6.
- ↑ Ozturk MB, Ertekin C, Uzuneyupoglu O, Tezcan M. Stylohyoid muscle transfer in marginal mandibular nerve palsy. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2018 Nov 1;29(8):e762-4.
- ↑ Eagle's Syndrome and Ernest Syndrome - When is Prolotherapy the ideal option?. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6IGlYy91-8 last accessed: 2021-07-24