AnatoMemory

Muscle

Mylohyoid

Floor of the mouth

Head & neckMuscular system

High-yield

Forms the floor of the mouth; mylohyoid nerve (CN V3). Elevates the hyoid and tongue in swallowing.

Overview

A suprahyoid muscle forming the muscular floor of the oral cavity that elevates the hyoid and tongue during swallowing.

Reference facts

Origin
Mylohyoid line of the mandible
Insertion
Hyoid body and the median mylohyoid raphe
Action
Elevates the hyoid bone, floor of the mouth, and tongue during swallowing and speaking
Innervation
Mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (CN V3)
Blood supply
Sublingual / submental arteries

Frequently asked questions

What does the mylohyoid do?

The mylohyoid elevates the hyoid bone, floor of the mouth, and tongue during swallowing and speaking.

What nerve innervates the mylohyoid?

The mylohyoid is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (CN V3).

Where does the mylohyoid attach?

The mylohyoid originates from the mylohyoid line of the mandible and inserts on the hyoid body and the median mylohyoid raphe.

What is the blood supply of the mylohyoid?

The mylohyoid is supplied by the sublingual / submental arteries.