It originates from the medial edge of the clavicle, sternoclavicular ligament, and posterior side of the manubrium, and ascends to attach to the body of the hyoid bone.

Additionally, this muscle group contributes to the protection of the trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, and thyroid gland.

The two muscles are separated by a considerable interval inferiorly, but usually converge by their mid-point and remain proximal until their superior insertion.

[2] The sternohyoid muscle receives motor innervation from branches of the ansa cervicalis (which are ultimately derived from cervical spinal nerves C1-C3).

[2] The sternohyoid muscle performs a number of functions: This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 393 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)