What are strap muscles?

Strap muscles refer specifically to long, thin muscles that are positioned in a strap-like configuration. In the context of human anatomy, the term is primarily associated with muscles in the neck, particularly the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, omohyoid, and thyrohyoid muscles. These muscles play vital roles in movements of the head and neck, including swallowing and speech.

Understanding the anatomy of strap muscles is crucial, as they help to stabilize other structures in the neck and assist in the movements associated with the hyoid bone and larynx. Their anatomical arrangement makes them particularly distinct from muscles found in other parts of the body, such as the legs, face, or back, which possess different structural and functional characteristics.