An anatomical study of the blood supply to the mylohyoid muscle: the so-called “mylohyoid branch” of the inferior alveolar artery is an arterial anastomosis

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the morphology of the mylohyoid branch of the inferior alveolar artery and the main blood supply to the mylohyoid muscle. Methods: The maxillary artery (MA) and inferior alveolar artery (IAA) within the infratemporal fossa, the facial and submental arteries within the submandibular triangle, and the nerve to the mylohyoid muscle and related artery were dissected in twelve sides from embalmed cadaveric heads. The main blood supply to the extraoral (inferior) surface of the mylohyoid muscle was recorded. Results: The mylohyoid branch of the inferior alveolar artery was an anastomosis of the descending branch of either the inferior alveolar or maxillary artery and the ascending branch of either the submental or facial artery. The anastomosis was classified into four types according to the origins of the arteries. The main blood supply to the extraoral surface of the mylohyoid muscle was the submental artery. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the mylohyoid branch of the IAA in human adults is an anastomosis of branches of the maxillary and facial arteries.