Anatomy Def: Omohyoids are paired strap-like muscles of the neck. Each muscle arises from scapula, crosses neck, and ends on hyoid bone. Contraction of omohyoid muscles depresses the hyoid bone thereby changing laryngeal position and altering the voice.
Outlander Def: IMHO, omohyoids should be the “dancing muscles” because the right one literally boogies across Jamie’s neck (Starz episode 101, Outlander – red arrow). A difficult muscle to demonstrate, I shouted with joy and nearly fell from my chair when I saw it undulate. Thrilling!
Learn about omohyoid muscles in Anatomy Lesson #12, “Claire’s Neck” or “The Ivory Tower.”
Read about Jamie’s voice, regulated in part by omohyoids, in Outlander book:
I turned to the fire to hide my face, but too late. Jamie took my hand, asking in a gentle voice what was wrong. The firelight glinted on my gold wedding band, and I began to sniffle in earnest. “Oh, I’ll … I’ll be all right, it’s all right, really, it’s … just my … my husband … I don’t—” “Ah lass, are ye widowed, then?” His voice was so full of sympathetic concern that I lost control entirely.
See Jamie’s omohyoid muscle contract (Starz episode 101, Outlander – red arrow) as he Declares-to-Claire in a soft but deep voice, “Well, then, I suppose that means you’re coming with me.” Aye, she goes with him, else there would be no Outlander! Fat chance he’s going to leave her down by the burbling bùrn. Hah!
A deeply grateful,
Outlander Anatomist