On each side of the neck, stylohyoid is one of the suprahyoid group of muscles. It arises from the styloid process of the temporal bone. It passes inferomedially to insert into the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone.

It acts to retract and elevate the hyoid bone. This action is required to:

• elevate the larynx
• elongate the floor of the mouth during swallowing

Stylohyoid is innervated by the mandibular branch of the facial nerve (VII).