Which muscle depresses the hyoid bone and larynx?

Study for the Muscle Actions and Functions – Anatomy and Movement Test. Equip yourself with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which muscle depresses the hyoid bone and larynx?

Explanation:
Depressing the hyoid bone and larynx is a function of the infrahyoid muscles. The sternohyoid runs from the sternum up to the hyoid bone, and when it contracts it pulls the hyoid downward, which also lowers the larynx. This action supports swallowing and helps adjust the voice by moving the airway downward after it’s been elevated. The other muscles listed don’t move the hyoid or larynx—deltoid moves the shoulder, brachialisFlexes the elbow, and pronator teres rotates the forearm—so they don’t contribute to depressing the hyoid or larynx.

Depressing the hyoid bone and larynx is a function of the infrahyoid muscles. The sternohyoid runs from the sternum up to the hyoid bone, and when it contracts it pulls the hyoid downward, which also lowers the larynx. This action supports swallowing and helps adjust the voice by moving the airway downward after it’s been elevated. The other muscles listed don’t move the hyoid or larynx—deltoid moves the shoulder, brachialisFlexes the elbow, and pronator teres rotates the forearm—so they don’t contribute to depressing the hyoid or larynx.

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