Thyrohyoid membrane (median and lateral thyrohyoid ligaments)

Study entry

Classification

Fibrous membrane that attaches the larynx to the hyoid.

Surfaces

From the upper margin and the superior horns of the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid.

Capsule

The middle part, thick, is the median thyrohyoid ligament; the lateral borders form the lateral thyrohyoid ligaments.

Movements

It has no movement of its own.

Blood supply

The superior laryngeal artery (branch of the superior thyroid) pierces it with the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.

Innervation

Not applicable; the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve pierces it.

Clinical

The lymphatics of the larynx above the vocal folds accompany the superior laryngeal artery through it and go to the superior deep cervical lymph nodes.

Source: cap. 9, «Esqueleto laríngeo» (fig. 9-33 A e B); «Arterias de la laringe»; «Linfáticos de la laringe»

Other structures in this region

• Stylohyoid ligament
• Pterygospinous ligament
• Median cricothyroid ligament
• Cricothyroid joint
• Cricoarytenoid joint
• Joints of the auditory ossicles (incudomalleolar and incudostapedial)
• Gomphosis (dentoalveolar syndesmosis)
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)