(ON BOTH SIDES) Identify the superficial structures of the muscular triangle of the neck.

  1. Reflect the sternocleidomastoid and identify the accessory nerve where it enters the muscle. (G 8.14;N 32;45.31D)
  2. Identify the hyoid bone (palpate location) and laryngeal prominence (thyroid cartilage). (G 8.9; N 27;Gl 45.32)
    Important Relationship
    • The hyoid bone is positioned superior to the thyroid cartilage.
  3. Identify the sternohyoid, sternothyroid and omohyoid (superior belly) muscles. (G 8.14;N 28;Gl 45.34)
    Important Relationships
    • The omohyoid muscle is positioned anterior-lateral to the sternothyroid muscle and passes superficial to the carotid sheath.
    • At the level of the thyroid cartilage, the sternothyroid muscle is positioned deep and lateral to the sternohyoid muscle.
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle (reflected)
Thyroid Cartilage
Infrahyoid Muscles
Ansa Cervicalis and Carotid Sheath