Mylohyoid nerve

Mylohyoid nerve

The mylohyoid nerve is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, or the inferior dental nerve, that supplies the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. It is a nerve in the human body that primarily serves the muscles of the oral cavity and neck.

Etymology

The term "mylohyoid" is derived from the Greek words "mylo" meaning mill and "hyoid" meaning shaped like the letter upsilon. This is in reference to the muscle's location and function in the lower jaw.

Anatomy

The mylohyoid nerve branches off from the inferior alveolar nerve before it enters the mandibular foramen. It descends in a groove on the deep side of the submandibular duct. The nerve then passes forward between the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, supplying them.

Function

The mylohyoid nerve carries motor fibers for the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. These muscles play a crucial role in the movement of the mandible, the lower jawbone, particularly during mastication (chewing) and speech.

Clinical significance

Damage to the mylohyoid nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. This can affect the movement of the mandible, potentially causing difficulties with mastication and speech.

See also

• Inferior alveolar nerve
• Mylohyoid muscle
• Anterior belly of the digastric muscle
• Mandible

References

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