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Suprahyoid Muscles

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Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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Last updated:

01/12/2025
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Della Barnes, MS Anatomy
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

The suprahyoid muscles are a group of four muscles located above the hyoid bone, earning them their name. They lie within the anterior triangle of the neck, forming the upper front of the neck and the floor of the mouth. These muscles elevate the hyoid bone and contribute to essential functions such as chewing, swallowing, and vocalization.

Names and Anatomy of the Suprahyoid Muscles

All these muscles are extrinsic, meaning they originate outside the structure they primarily move, the hyoid. They extend from the skull, mainly the mandible above, to the top of the hyoid bone below.

Here is a list of the suprahyoid muscles with their points of attachment, anatomy, and actions:

NameOriginInsertionActionInnervationBlood Supply
MylohyoidMylohyoid line of the mandibleAnterior surface of the hyoid bone and the mylohyoid rapheElevates the floor of the oral cavity and the hyoid bone; assists in swallowing, speaking, and chewingMylohyoid nerveInferior alveolar, submental, and sublingual arteries
GeniohyoidInferior mental spine of the mandibleAnterior surface of the body of the hyoid boneElevates the hyoid bone during swallowing and vocalization; depresses the mandible to assist with chewingAnterior ramus of the C1 spinal nerveLingual artery branches
StylohyoidStyloid process of the temporal boneBody of the hyoid boneElevates and retracts the hyoid bone to facilitate swallowingStylohyoid branch of the facial nerve (CN VII)Facial, occipital, and posterior auricular arteries
DigastricAnterior belly: Digastric fossa of the mandiblePosterior belly: Mastoid notch of the temporal boneSuperior surface of the hyoid bone via the intermediate tendonDepresses the mandible to open the jaw; elevates the hyoid bone to aid in swallowing, chewing, and speechAnterior belly: Mylohyoid nerve (CN V₃)Posterior belly: Facial nerve (CN VII)Anterior belly: Submental arteryPosterior belly: Occipital and posterior auricular arteries

As shown in the table, all these muscles assist in chewing, swallowing, and vocalization. They work together to raise the hyoid when the mandible is fixed in place. When the hyoid is fixed, they act to depress the mandible. In either case, the infrahyoid muscles are essential for stabilizing the hyoid from below, allowing the suprahyoid muscles to work effectively.

By depressing the mandible, the suprahyoid muscles help open the mouth and reduce unwanted clenching during chewing. For this reason, they are considered accessory muscles of mastication.

Mnemonic

“TOSS My Gravy Spoon, Darling”

Here, the suprahyoid muscles are:

  • My: Mylohyoid
  • Gravy: Geniohyoid
  • Spoon: Stylohyoid
  • Darling: Digastric

TOSS stands for the four infrahyoid muscles: Thyrohyoid, Omohyoid, Sternohyoid, and Sternothyroid.

Reference

  1. Anatomy, Head and Neck: Suprahyoid Muscle: https://www.NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
  2. Suprahyoid Muscles: ScienceDirect.com
  3. Suprahyoid Muscles (Left): Elsevier.com
  4. Suprahyoid Muscles: Kenhub.com
  5. The Suprahyoid Muscles: TeachMeAnatomy.info
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS AnatomyUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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