X

Hello Surgeon

X

How can we help you today?

Post

Mylohyoid Muscle Anatomy

The mylohyoid muscle is a flat, triangular muscle located in the anterior neck, forming the floor of the oral cavity. It extends from the mandible to the hyoid bone.

The mylohyoid muscle is a crucial component of the oral cavity, playing a significant role in swallowing, speech, and support of the floor of the mouth.

Mylohyoid Muscle Anatomy

The mylohyoid muscle is a thin, sheet-like muscle with a distinctive fan shape that originates from the mylohyoid line on the internal surface of the mandible and insert on the body of the hyoid bone and the median fibrous raphe.

Its fibers run medially and slightly inferiorly from the mandible. The anterior fibers are nearly horizontal, while the posterior fibers are more oblique. The right and left mylohyoid muscles join at the median fibrous raphe, creating a sling-like structure.

Blood supply to the mylohyoid muscle comes primarily from the sublingual branch of the lingual artery and the submental branch of the facial artery.

Its innervation comes from the mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, CN V3).

The Primary function of the mylohyoid muscle is to elevates the floor of the mouth and the tongue during swallowing, it also assists in the first stage of deglutition by pressing the tongue against the hard palate.

See Also: Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Anatomy

It also:

  • Contributes to speech articulation
  • Supports and stabilizes the suprahyoid region
  • Assists in mandibular depression when the hyoid is fixed
Mylohyoid Muscle
OriginMylohyoid line of mandible
InsertionMylohyoid raphe, body of hyoid bone
Innervationmylohyoid nerve a branch of inferior alveolar nerve (CN V3)
Blood SupplySublingual, inferior alveolar and submental arteries
ActionForms floor of oral cavity, elevates hyoid bone and floor of mouth, depresses mandible

Clinical Relevance

Mylohyoid boutonnière: A potential pathway for infection spread between the submandibular and sublingual spaces

Surgical considerations: Important landmark in neck dissections and oral surgeries

Dysphagia: Weakness or dysfunction can contribute to swallowing difficulties

Ludwig’s angina: Infection can spread along the mylohyoid muscle

Embryological Development

The mylohyoid muscle develops from the first pharyngeal arch mesoderm, specifically from the ventral portion of the mandibular prominence. This origin explains its innervation by the trigeminal nerve, which is associated with first arch structures.

Related Structures

  • Superior: Oral mucosa, sublingual gland
  • Inferior: Anterior belly of digastric muscle, submandibular gland
  • Lateral: Mandible
  • Medial: Geniohyoid and genioglossus muscles
  • Posterior: Hyoglossus muscle
Mylohyoid Muscle

Summary

The mylohyoid muscle is a vital structure in the floor of the mouth, crucial for swallowing and speech. Its unique anatomy, from its mandibular origin to hyoid insertion, creates a sling-like support for the oral cavity. Innervated by the mylohyoid nerve and supplied by branches of the lingual and facial arteries, it plays a significant role in the first stage of deglutition and oral function. Understanding its embryological origin, relationships to nearby structures, and clinical implications is essential for medical students studying head and neck anatomy.

References & More

  1. Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice
  2. Clinically Oriented Anatomy – 8th Edition
  3. Toth J, Lappin SL. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Mylohyoid Muscle. [Updated 2023 Jun 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: Pubmed
Orthopedic Learning with Q&A Flashcards

    App Features:

  • Lifetime product updates
  • Install on one device
  • Lifetime product support
One-Click Purchase
All-in-one Orthopedic App 2025

    App Features:

  • Lifetime product updates
  • Install on one device
  • Lifetime product support
One-Click Purchase
Pharmacology Mnemonics App

    App Features:

  • Lifetime product updates
  • Install on one device
  • Lifetime product support
One-Click Purchase
Offline Free Medical Hangman Game

    App Features:

  • Lifetime product updates
  • Install on one device
  • Lifetime product support
One-Click Purchase