Which mandibular depressor elevates the hyoid bone during deglutition?

• A. Anterior Digastric
• B. Mylohyoid
• C. Geniohyoid
• D. Sternohyoid

Answer: (B)

During swallowing, lifting the hyoid bone is a key action of the suprahyoid muscles. The mylohyoid sits on the floor of the mouth and stretches from the inner surface of the mandible to the hyoid bone. When it contracts, it directly elevates the hyoid and the floor of the mouth, helping to move the bolus upward and forward into the pharynx. This makes it the primary mandibular depressor that also raises the hyoid during deglutition.

The other muscles listed can assist in related movements, but they don’t elevate the hyoid as directly or prominently in this swallowing phase. Sternohyoid depresses the hyoid, while geniohyoid also moves the hyoid but emphasizes anterior movement rather than the primary swallowing elevation provided by the mylohyoid.