Spry Juncture, LLC
How to Evolve Gracefully
Mylohyoid
Region
📷 Mylohyoid muscle by Mikael Häggström, via Wikimedia Commons, in the Public domain
📷 Mylohyoid line - animation01 by BodyParts3D/Anatomography, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.1 JP
Origin & Insertion
['Origin: Mylohyoid line of mandible', 'Insertion: Body of hyoid bone and midline raphe']
Synergistic Muscles
['Digastric', 'Geniohyoid']
Joints
['None']
Primary Actions
['Elevates floor of mouth', 'Elevates hyoid']
Nerve & Spinal Segment
Mylohyoid nerve (branch of CN V3)
Cranial nerve; Trigeminal ganglion
Interesting
Forms muscular floor of the mouth. [Gray's Anatomy]
Reversal of Action
Stabilize mandible while lifting hyoid
Common Dysfunctions
Swallowing difficulties, floor of mouth weakness
How to Stretch
Jaw opening with tongue pressed to floor of mouth.
Trigger Points
How to Strengthen
Tongue presses and resisted floor of mouth elevation.
Concentric Action
Elevate hyoid during tongue press against palate
Applications:
Enhances swallowing and airway protection in speech therapy
Eccentric Action
Control descent of hyoid during exhale
Isotonic Action
Repetitive swallows or dry swallow drills
Related Conditions
['Dysphagia', 'Sleep apnea']
Isometric Action
Sustain tongue pressure on roof of mouth
Exercise Ideas
['Swallow drills', 'Tongue-up jaw opens', 'Hyoid lifts']