The geniohyoid muscle is a narrow paired muscle situated superior to the medial border of the mylohyoid muscle. It is named for its passage from the chin ("genio-" is a standard prefix for "chin") to the hyoid bone.

Structure

The geniohyoid is a paired short muscle that arises from the inferior mental spine, on the back of the mandibular symphysis, and runs backward and slightly downward, to be inserted into the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone.

Innervation

The geniohyoid muscle is innervated by fibres from the first cervical spinal nerve travelling alongside the hypoglossal nerve. Although the first three cervical nerves give rise to the ansa cervicalis, the geniohyoid muscle is said to be innervated by the first cervical nerve, as some of its efferent fibers do not contribute to ansa cervicalis.

Variations

It may be blended with the one on opposite side or double; slips to greater cornu of hyoid bone and genioglossus occur.

Function

The geniohyoid muscle brings the hyoid bone forward and upwards.

Additional images

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File:Gray186.png|Illustration of the hyoid bone showing the insertion point of the geniohyoid muscle

File:Gray994.png|Sagittal section of nose mouth, pharynx, and larynx.

File:Slide1ss.JPG|Geniohyoid muscle

File:Slide4ss.JPG|Geniohyoid muscle

File:Slide9ss.JPG|Geniohyoid muscle

</gallery>

See also

References

  • Frontal section