Suprahyoid Muscles - Located above the hyoid bone in the neck - Consist of four muscles: digastric, stylohyoid, geniohyoid, and mylohyoid - Pharyngeal muscles, except for geniohyoid

Digastric Muscle - Posterior belly rises from the mastoid process of the cranium - Anterior belly arises from the digastric fossa on the inner surface of the mandibular body - Two bellies connect at the intermediate tendon - Intermediate tendon passes through a connective tissue loop attached to the hyoid bone - Assists in elevating the hyoid bone and extreme opening of the mouth

Stylohyoid Muscle - Long and thin muscle - Nearly parallel with the posterior belly of the digastric muscle - Assists in elevating and retracting the hyoid bone - Elongates the floor of the mouth during swallowing

Geniohyoid Muscle - Short and narrow muscle - Contacts the other geniohyoid muscle in the midline - Pulls the hyoid bone anterosuperiorly - Shortens the floor of the mouth - Widens the pharynx during swallowing

Mylohyoid Muscle - Thin and flat muscle - Forms a sling inferior to the tongue - Supports the floor of the mouth - Elevates the hyoid bone - Tenses the floor of the mouth during swallowing