1. Sternocleidomastoid muscle
The function of this muscle is to rotate the head to the opposite side, obliquely rotate the head or extending the head
2. Hypoglossal nerveThe hypoglossal nerve is the twelfth cranial nerve and controls movements of the tongue
3. Thyroid cartilage
The thyroid cartilage forms the bulk of the front wall of the larynx. It protects the vocal cords which are directly beneath it
4. Sternothyroid muscle
Main function of the sternothyroid is to depress the larynx. It is also important for chewing and swallowing
Trauma or injury to this muscle can impact both the ability to vocalize and to consume food 5. Thyroid gland
This is an important hormonal gland that plays a major role in the metabolism, growth and maturation of the human body. It helps regulate many bodily functions by constantly releasing hormones into the bloodstream
There can be a number of consequences if the gland produces too few or too many hormones With an overactive thyroid, also called hyperthyroidism, it produces too many hormones and with an under-active thyroid, called hypothyroidism, it produces too little hormones |
6. Phrenic nerve
It is important for breathing, as it passes motor information to the diaphragm and receives sensory information from it
7. Anterior scalene muscle
The anterior and middle scalene muscles elevate the ribs and the thorax so they are essential for inspiration