Stylohyoid branch of facial nerve

Stylohyoid branch of facial nerve is a branch of the facial nerve that supplies the stylohyoid muscle and the posterior belly of digastric muscle. It is also known as the nervus stylohyoideus.

Etymology

The term stylohyoid is derived from the Greek words stylos, meaning pillar, and hyoeides, meaning shaped like the letter upsilon. This is in reference to the shape and location of the stylohyoid muscle which this nerve branch supplies.

Anatomy

The facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve) gives off several branches as it courses through the facial region. One of these branches is the stylohyoid branch, which is given off just after the nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen. This branch courses towards the stylohyoid muscle and the posterior belly of digastric muscle, supplying them with motor innervation.

Function

The primary function of the stylohyoid branch of facial nerve is to provide motor innervation to the stylohyoid muscle and the posterior belly of digastric muscle. These muscles are involved in several functions including swallowing and speech.

Clinical significance

Damage to the stylohyoid branch of facial nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the stylohyoid muscle and the posterior belly of digastric muscle. This can lead to difficulties in swallowing and speech.

See also

• Facial nerve
• Stylohyoid muscle
• Posterior belly of digastric muscle

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