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The mylohyoid muscle is a flat and triangular muscle that runs from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity. It is involved in multiple actions, including elevating the floor of the mouth, which is important for swallowing and speaking. Due to its location and function, tension in the mylohyoid muscle can have various effects on the body. For example, contraction of the mylohyoid muscle can cause a wide range of problems, including raising the larynx and creating tension that interferes with phonation and articulation. Understanding the causes of tension in this muscle is crucial for maintaining optimal function in the oral cavity and preventing potential complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle function | Elevates the floor of the mouth, important for swallowing and speaking |
| Muscle structure | Flat and triangular |
| Muscle origin | Mandible near the molars |
| Muscle insertion | Hyoid bone |
| Innervation | Mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve |
| Arterial supply | Mylohyoid artery, a branch of the inferior alveolar artery |
| Contraction | Can cause tension that interferes with phonation and articulation |
| Surgical considerations | Increased tension can lead to dangerous bleeding and airway obstruction |
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Surgical procedures
The mylohyoid muscle is also relevant in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in implant site preparation and ridge augmentation procedures. In implant site preparation, the mylohyoid line cortex must be carefully identified to avoid perforation, which can lead to dangerous bleeding in the highly vascularized sublingual region. Ridge augmentations, including vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation (VRA and HRA) procedures, may require mylohyoid muscle release (MMR) to achieve tension-free primary closure and prevent wound dehiscence.
In maxillofacial reconstruction, a mylohyoid flap can be used to close the anterior oral cavity, offering quick restoration of oral function and minimal donor site morbidity. The mylohyoid muscle is also useful in soft tissue reconstruction for patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.
Additionally, the mylohyoid muscle may be involved in surgical procedures related to salivary gland pathology, such as the surgical excision of ranulas or mucous cysts in the base of the mouth. In such cases, the branch of the mylohyoid that provides sensory innervation beneath the chin may be at risk for injury, potentially altering sensation in this area.
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Infections
The mylohyoid muscle is a flat and triangular muscle that runs from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity of the mouth. It is essential for swallowing and speaking.
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Herniation
The mylohyoid muscle is a paired muscle of the neck that runs from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity. It is involved in elevating the hyoid bone and the tongue, which is particularly important during swallowing and speaking.
The mylohyoid muscle separates the submandibular space from the sublingual space above. The submandibular gland wraps around the edges of the mylohyoid and can be divided into two lobes—superficial and deep—which are folded over each other posteriorly.
The clinical relevance of mylohyoid muscle herniation is significant. It can lead to permanent swelling and may be a valuable factor in the differential diagnosis of masses in the submandibular region. Furthermore, the mylohyoid muscle acts as a barrier to the spread of infections. When the muscle is compromised due to herniation, infections can spread more easily from the sublingual space to the submandibular space, or vice versa.
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Singing and speaking
The mylohyoid muscle is one of the muscles that make it possible to swallow. It is also involved in singing, and tension in this muscle can cause a range of problems.
During singing and speaking, the mylohyoid muscle can contract, causing tension that interferes with phonation and articulation. This tension can lead to an unpleasant, 'throaty' timbre. It can also cause strain in the tongue and the muscle systems supporting the larynx.
To reduce tension in the mylohyoid muscle, singers can try massaging the area. They can place their thumbs beneath the chin, lightly press in, and swallow. This helps them identify the contraction of the mylohyoid muscle. Singers can then explore different vowel sounds to find those that do not cause contraction. Starting with a comfortable pitch on the vowel /ae/, they can then move to /E/, bright /a/, and finally /e/, before trying /o/, /u/, and /i/.
Additionally, tongue tension is common among singers and can be caused by various factors, including accent, breath support problems, muscle weaknesses, and vowel shapes. Nerves and insecurity about one's voice can also lead to tongue tension. To reduce tongue tension, singers can try tongue stretchers, such as sticking out their tongue or using a kitchen towel to hold it out. Tongue releasers, where the tongue is stretched out on a scale, can also help maintain a feeling of openness and space at the back of the mouth. Tongue movers, such as repeating combinations of consonants and vowels, promote tongue flexibility and help reduce tension.
It is also important to examine the singer's vocal posture and physical behaviours to identify any incorrect speaking or singing habits that may be causing tension. Singers should also consider their emotional and psychological health, as stress can cause individuals to hold tension in the neck, jaw, and tongue, affecting their singing.
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Swallowing
The mylohyoid muscle is essential for swallowing and speaking. It is a flat, triangular muscle that originates from the mandible near the molars, giving it its name—derived from the Greek "mylo", meaning "molars". The muscle inserts on the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity.
During swallowing, the mylohyoid muscle contracts, elevating the hyoid bone and the tongue. This action is important for driving food from the oropharynx into the pharynx during the first stage of swallowing. The hyoid bone and tongue are carried upward and forward by the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
The digastric and mylohyoid muscles are part of the swallowing mechanism and often contract simultaneously. This contraction raises the larynx, creating tension that can interfere with phonation and articulation. When these muscles contract, an individual will feel downward pressure beneath the chin.
To relax these muscles, one can place their thumbs under the chin, lightly press in, and swallow. This action helps to identify the contraction of the digastric and mylohyoid muscles. Massage and vocal exercises can also help to relax these muscles. For example, an individual can place their tongue on their bottom lip, slightly open their jaw, and rest their thumbs under the chin. Sustaining a comfortable pitch on the vowel /ae/ can help to find a variation that does not cause contraction.
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Frequently asked questions
The mylohyoid muscle is a flat and triangular muscle that originates from the mandible near the molars. It forms the floor of the oral cavity of the mouth.
The mylohyoid muscle elevates the hyoid bone and the tongue, which is important during swallowing and speaking. It also depresses the mandible.
Tension in the mylohyoid muscle can be caused by its contraction during singing or speaking. This can interfere with phonation and articulation.
To relax the mylohyoid muscle, one can try massaging the area or performing specific vocal exercises that help release the muscle.
Increased tension in the mylohyoid muscle can lead to dangerous bleeding of the mouth floor, resulting in life-threatening airway obstruction. Infections originating in the teeth can also spread or penetrate the mylohyoid muscle, causing serious complications.
