Musculus omohyoideus
The omohyoideus originates from the deep cervical fascia near the shoulder (subscapular fascia) and inserts on the basihyoid bone. Its action is to retract and depress the hyoid apparatus, aiding in swallowing and airway positioning during exercise. It is innervated by ventral branches of C1-C2 via the ansa cervicalis. It forms the floor of the jugular groove and is connected to the overlying cleidomastoideus in the caudal half of the neck.
Origin: Deep cervical fascia near the shoulder (subscapular fascia)
Insertion: Basihyoid bone
Action: Retracts the hyoid; assists in maintaining airway patency during exercise
Innervation: Ventral branches of C1-C2 via the ansa cervicalis
Rarely a primary clinical problem. Relevant mainly as an anatomical landmark for the jugular groove and in evaluations of hyoid or swallowing function.
## Overview Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) occurs when the free border of the soft palate moves above the epiglottis during exercise, obstructing airflow. It produces a characteristic
Difficulty swallowing or abnormal neck posture after trauma should be evaluated. The jugular groove is the preferred site for intravenous injections.
## Overview Dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) occurs when the free border of the soft palate moves above the epiglottis during exercise, obstructing airflow. It produces a characteristic gurgling or choking noise and sudden loss of performance. Dysfunction of muscles that position the larynx and hyoid apparatus can contribute. ## Causes Multifactorial: neuromuscular fatigue, inflammation, or anatomic factors affecting palatal stability. ## Diagnosis Exercising endoscopy is required to confirm dynamic displacement. Resting endoscopy is often normal. ## Treatment Options include tack changes, medical management of inflammation, and surgeries such as laryngeal tie-forward or sternothyrohyoid myectomy. Success varies by procedure. ## Recovery and Prognosis Many horses improve with appropriate treatment. Recurrence is possible. ## Prevention Management of airway inflammation and appropriate conditioning. Signs include: gurgling or choking noise at speed; sudden slowing; resolves when the horse swallows; exercise intolerance
Rarely a primary clinical problem. Relevant mainly as an anatomical landmark for the jugular groove and in evaluations of hyoid or swallowing function.
Difficulty swallowing or abnormal neck posture after trauma should be evaluated. The jugular groove is the preferred site for intravenous injections.
See the Omohyoideus on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model