Mylohyoid nerve
Nerve of the head
- 1 min read
- 3 chapters
Related on Lably
Through Nerve, Head and Molar (tooth)
Structure
Origin
The mylohyoid nerve is a mixed (motor-sensory) branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (which is a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3) that is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V)). It arises just before it enters the mandibular foramen.
Course
It pierces the sphenomandibular ligament. It descends in a groove on the deep surface of the ramus of the mandible. When it reaches the under surface of the mylohyoid muscle, it gives branches to the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
Distribution
Motor
The mylohyoid nerve supplies the mylohyoid muscle and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
Sensory
It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the centre of the submental area. It may also provide some sensory innervation to the mandibular (lower) molar teeth.
Sign in to keep reading
2 more chapters are free with a Lably account.
Clinical significance
The mylohyoid nerve needs to be blocked during local anaesthesia of the mandibular (lower) teeth to prevent pain during oral procedures. It may not be anaesthetised during a block of the inferior alveolar nerve, causing pain.