Mylohyoid muscle

Mylohyoid muscle is a flat, triangular muscle located in the anterior part of the neck. It plays a crucial role in the physiology of mastication, swallowing, and speech. This muscle forms the floor of the mouth and is involved in elevating the hyoid bone and the floor of the mouth during swallowing. The mylohyoid muscle is one of the suprahyoid muscles, which also include the stylohyoid muscle, digastric muscle, and geniohyoid muscle.

Anatomy

The mylohyoid muscle originates from the mylohyoid line of the mandible and extends to the midline of the neck, where it meets the muscle of the opposite side. Its fibers run medially and downward, inserting into the body of the hyoid bone and an intermediate tendon known as the mylohyoid raphe. Innervation of the mylohyoid muscle is provided by the mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, which is itself a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.

Function

The primary function of the mylohyoid muscle is to elevate the floor of the mouth and the hyoid bone. This action is essential during the initial phase of swallowing, helping to push the food bolus from the mouth into the pharynx. Additionally, the mylohyoid muscle assists in depressing the mandible, contributing to the opening of the mouth.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction or injury to the mylohyoid muscle or its nerve supply can lead to difficulties in swallowing (dysphagia) and speech. Anatomical variations or pathologies affecting the mylohyoid muscle, such as mylohyoid muscle hernia, can also have clinical implications, potentially leading to submandibular gland prolapse or entrapment of structures within the muscle fibers.

Related Conditions

- Dysphagia - Mylohyoid muscle hernia - Submandibular gland prolapse

See Also

- Suprahyoid muscles - Inferior alveolar nerve - Swallowing - Mandible