Mylohyoid nerve

The mylohyoid nerve is a mixed nerve of the head. It is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. It provides motor innervation the mylohyoid muscle, and the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. It provides sensory innervation to part of the submental area, and sometimes also the mandibular molar teeth, requiring local anaesthesia for some oral procedures.

Structure

Origin

The mylohyoid nerve is a mixed (motor-sensory) branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve ). 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 molar teeth.

Clinical significance

The mylohyoid nerve needs to be blocked during local anaesthesia of the mandibular teeth to prevent pain during oral procedures. It may not be anaesthetised during a block of the inferior alveolar nerve, causing pain.