Geniohyoid (Musculus geniohyoideus)

Layer: Muscles

Educational content only — not medical advice.

Anatomy

A narrow strap above mylohyoid from the superior genial tubercle to the hyoid body; it stiffens the oral floor, drawing hyoid and tongue forward in swallowing and deep inspiration.

Origin & insertion

Superior genial tubercle on the inner mandibular symphysis.

Action

Draws the hyoid forward and upward widening the pharyngeal airway.

Innervation

Nerve to thyrohyoid — C1 fibres hitchhiking with hypoglossal nerve.

Clinical notes

Its shortening with the other suprahyoids is an anatomical factor in sleep apnoea; surgical advancement widens the airway.

Related structures

Educational references

FAQ

What is the role of the Geniohyoid?

A narrow strap above mylohyoid from the superior genial tubercle to the hyoid body; it stiffens the oral floor, drawing hyoid and tongue forward in swallowing and deep inspiration.

Why is the Geniohyoid clinically important?

Its shortening with the other suprahyoids is an anatomical factor in sleep apnoea; surgical advancement widens the airway.

Source & license

BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details