The thyrohyoid membrane (or hyothyroid membrane) is a broad, fibro-elastic sheet of the larynx. It connects the upper border of the thyroid cartilage to the hyoid bone.
Structure
The thyrohyoid membrane is attached below to the upper border of the thyroid cartilage and to the front of its superior cornu, and above to the upper margin of the posterior surface of the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone.[1] It passes behind the posterior surface of the body of the hyoid. It is separated from the hyoid bone by a mucous bursa, which allows for the upward movement of the larynx during swallowing.[1]
The thyrohyoid membrane refers to the two structures it connects: the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone. It may also be known as the hyothyroid membrane, where the two structures are reversed.[3]
Additional images
Thyrohyoid membrane
Thyrohyoid membrane
Thyrohyoid membrane
Muscles, nerves and arteries of neck. Deep dissection. Anterior view.