Levator Glandulae Thyroideae
Neck · Head & Neck
The levator glandulae thyroideae is an inconstant fibromuscular slip found near the thyroid gland in some individuals. When present, it descends from the body of the hyoid bone or the thyroid cartilage to attach onto the isthmus or the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland. Its suggested function is to elevate the thyroid gland, though as a variable and often partly fibrous band its contribution is minor and not consistently present. It is generally described as receiving its supply from the ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus, in keeping with the other muscles of this region.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Body of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage
Insertion
Isthmus or pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland
Action
Elevates the thyroid gland (inconstant fibromuscular variant)
Nerve
Ansa cervicalis (cervical plexus)
Attachments explained
The Levator Glandulae Thyroideae is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Body of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage
Insertion
Isthmus or pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland
Action & function
When the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae contracts, it produces the following movement: Elevates the thyroid gland (inconstant fibromuscular variant).
As part of the Neck group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Levator Glandulae Thyroideae receives its nerve supply from the Ansa cervicalis (cervical plexus).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Ansa cervicalis can weaken or paralyse the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates the thyroid gland (inconstant fibromuscular variant)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae (the OIANS method)
Treat the levator glandulae thyroideae as a named variant rather than a constant muscle, and study it by the simple relationship in its name: a levator that lifts the thyroid gland. Anchor it from the hyoid or thyroid cartilage above to the thyroid isthmus or pyramidal lobe below, and its single action of elevating the gland follows directly from that vertical arrangement.
Because it is inconstant and partly fibrous, focus your memory on its regional company rather than a distinctive nerve: it is described as supplied by the ansa cervicalis of the cervical plexus, like the neighbouring strap muscles. Linking it to the pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland gives it a memorable landmark and connects it to thyroid anatomy you will meet elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae located?
The Levator Glandulae Thyroideae is a muscle of the Neck group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae?
Body of the hyoid bone or thyroid cartilage
What is the insertion of the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae?
Isthmus or pyramidal lobe of the thyroid gland
What movements does the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae produce?
Elevates the thyroid gland (inconstant fibromuscular variant)
What nerve supplies the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae?
Ansa cervicalis (cervical plexus)
Is the Levator Glandulae Thyroideae free to study in OIANS?
The Levator Glandulae Thyroideae is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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