Which muscle forms the floor of the mouth?

The mylohyoid muscle is the muscle that forms the floor of the mouth. This thin, flat muscle extends from the mandible to the hyoid bone, creating a supportive structure underneath the tongue. Its primary function is to elevate the floor of the mouth and the tongue during swallowing and speaking, which is essential for proper oral function.

The placement and action of the mylohyoid muscle make it critical in various activities involving the oral cavity, including the manipulation of food and the prevention of aspiration during eating. Its unique positioning allows it to provide a platform for the submandibular glands, which further underscores its importance in oral and digestive processes.

In comparison, while the digastric muscle also plays a role in movements related to the jaw and the floor of the mouth, it does not form the actual floor itself. The masseter and temporalis muscles are primarily involved in mastication (chewing) and are located in the jaw area, so they do not contribute to the structure of the floor of the mouth. Hence, the mylohyoid is clearly identified as the muscle that specifically forms the floor of the mouth.