Home Body Atlas Tendons Thyrohyoid Membrane and Tendon
Tendon Neck

Thyrohyoid Membrane and Tendon

membrana thyrohyoidea

The thyrohyoid membrane connects the upper border of the thyroid cartilage to the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone. Its lateral thickened portions form the lateral thyrohyoid ligaments, and its central portion is pierced by the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal vessels. It functions as the primary connecting structure between the larynx and hyoid.

Region: Neck
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The thyrohyoid membrane is the site of the thyrohyoid puncture technique for laryngeal injections of Botulinum toxin for spasmodic dysphonia. It is divided during supraglottic laryngectomy and must be identified precisely during thyroid and laryngeal surgery. The internal laryngeal nerve piercing the membrane is at risk during anterior neck approaches at this level. Calcification of the thyrohyoid ligaments is a normal aging variant.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Thyrohyoid Membrane Injury

Penetrating injury to the thyrohyoid membrane from anterior neck trauma producing laryngeal dysfunction from internal laryngeal nerve damage and superior laryngeal vessel injury, requiring urgent laryngoscopy assessment.

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