The Mylohyoid muscle, flat and triangular, is situated immediately above the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, and forms, with its fellow of the opposite side, a muscular floor for the cavity of the mouth.

It arises from the whole length of the mylohyoid line of the mandible, extending from the symphysis in front to the last molar tooth behind. The posterior fibers pass medialward and slightly downward, to be inserted into the body of the hyoid bone.

The middle and anterior fibers are inserted into a median fibrous raphé extending from the symphysis menti to the hyoid bone, where they joint at an angle with the fibers of the opposite muscle. This median raphé is sometimes wanting; the fibers of the two muscles are then continuous.

It is innervated by the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, along with the anterior belly of the digastic muscle and the muscles of mastication.

Variations

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It may be united to or replaced by the anterior belly of the Digastricus; accessory slips to other hyoid muscles are frequent.

External links

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Muscles of the head and neck | Musculus mylohyoideus | Muscle mylo-hyoïdien | 顎舌骨筋