Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Geniohyoid
Region
📷 Geniohyoid muscle by Mikael Häggström, via Wikimedia Commons, in the Public domain
📷 Geniohyoideus by Uwe Gille (modified from Image:Gray1019.png), via Wikimedia Commons, in the Public domain
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Inferior mental spine of mandible', 'Insertion: Body of hyoid bone']
Synergistic Muscles
['Mylohyoid', 'Digastric']
Joints
['None']
Primary Actions
['Elevates and pulls hyoid forward', 'Shortens floor of mouth']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
C1 via hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
Cervical plexus; C1 spinal nerve
Interesting
Deep to mylohyoid and part of swallowing mechanics. [Clinically Oriented Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Stabilize jaw while elevating hyoid
Common Dysfunctions
Tongue coordination and swallowing issues
How to Stretch
Chin tuck while opening jaw.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Swallowing with resistance (e.g., Mendelsohn maneuver).
Concentric Action
Pull hyoid anteriorly and upward
Applications:
Important in swallowing and speech rehab post-stroke
Eccentric Action
Control backward movement of hyoid
Isotonic Action
Suck-swallow pattern drills
Related Conditions
['Dysphagia', 'Neck tightness']
Isometric Action
Hold hyoid position during breath hold
Exercise Ideas
['Chin tucks', 'Tongue resistance swallows', 'Hyoid glide drills']