Structure and Development - The mylohyoid muscle is flat and triangular. - It is situated immediately superior to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. - It is a pharyngeal muscle derived from the first pharyngeal arch. - The mylohyoid muscles form a muscular floor for the oral cavity. - The two mylohyoid muscles arise from the mandible at the mylohyoid line. - The mylohyoid muscles are derived from embryonic mesoderm, specifically the first pharyngeal arch.

Nerve Supply - The mylohyoid muscle is supplied by a branch of the mandibular nerve, the inferior alveolar nerve. - The mylohyoid nerve is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. - The mylohyoid nerve provides motor supply to the mylohyoid muscle.

Variations - The mylohyoid muscle may be united to or replaced by the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. - Accessory slips to other hyoid muscles are frequent. - The median raphe between the two mylohyoid muscles may be absent. - Accessory mylohyoid muscles with the same attachments, nerve supply, and function can be present. - The mylohyoid muscle may be split into an anterior and posterior portion.

Function - The mylohyoid muscle elevates the hyoid bone and the tongue. - It is important during swallowing and speaking. - It can depress the mandible if other muscles keep the position of the hyoid bone fixed. - It reinforces the floor of the mouth.

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