The geniohyoid muscle is a relatively short, narrow, paired muscle that connects the mandible with the hyoid bone. The muscle is located immediately superior to the mylohyoid muscle and inferior to the genioglossus muscle.

The geniohyoid is positioned above the hyoid bone, and therefore, it is classified as the suprahyoid muscle. Together with the mylohyoid, it forms the floor of the oral cavity. Overall, it participates in swallowing and voice production.

Origin: inferior mental spine (genial tubercle) of the mandible.

Insertion: superior and anterior aspects of the body of the hyoid bone.

Action: elevation of the hyoid bone (the muscle also draws it forward), depression of the mandible (when the muscle is fixed).

Innervation: anterior root of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1) via the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII).

Blood supply: sublingual artery of the lingual artery.

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Geniohyoid