Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which pair of muscles attaches to the genial tubercles (mental spines) on the lingual surface of the mandibular symphysis?
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Correct answer: B. Genioglossus and geniohyoid
- A. Incorrect. Genioglossus is correct, but the hyoglossus arises from the body and greater horn of the HYOID bone — not the mandible.
- B. Correct. The SUPERIOR genial tubercles give origin to the GENIOGLOSSUS (the main protruder of the tongue) and the INFERIOR genial tubercles give origin to the GENIOHYOID. Clinically important: a prominent genial tubercle after ridge resorption can destabilise a mandibular complete denture and may need relief or reduction.
- C. Incorrect. The mylohyoid arises from the mylohyoid line (an oblique ridge running posterosuperiorly), and the anterior belly of digastric arises from the digastric fossa, which lies below and lateral to the genial tubercles.
- D. Incorrect. Geniohyoid is correct, but mylohyoid arises from the mylohyoid line, not the genial tubercles.
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