Thyrohyoid Membrane, Anterior View

Description

Centered in the anterior neck, the thyrohyoid membrane spans superiorly from the body and greater horns of the hyoid bone to the superior border of the thyroid cartilage, forming a broad fibroelastic sheet across the thyrohyoid interval. Inferior to the thyroid lamina, the cricoid cartilage completes the laryngeal framework, with the proximal tracheal rings descending in the midline. Along the lateral margins, strap and laryngeal muscles frame the membrane and cartilages, their fibers oriented obliquely as they approach the hyoid and larynx. Clean landmarks. Clinically, this anterior view matters because the thyrohyoid membrane is the entry point for the internal laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal artery as they pierce the membrane to supply supraglottic mucosa. That relationship underpins the superior laryngeal nerve block used for awake fiberoptic intubation and for analgesia during endoscopic laryngeal procedures, and it explains why excessive lateral needle placement can risk vascular puncture. The membrane also defines a palpable corridor between the hyoid and thyroid cartilage that you correlate with the laryngeal prominence in male patients during surface anatomy teaching and preprocedural planning. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy modules covering the laryngeal skeleton, laryngeal innervation, and the fascial compartments of the anterior neck, where learners often confuse the thyrohyoid membrane with the cricothyroid membrane. It also fits otolaryngology and anesthesiology content on supraglottic sensory pathways, superior laryngeal nerve blockade, and operative landmarks for transhyoid and supraglottic approaches. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.