The geniohyoid is a paired short muscle that arises from the inferior mental spine, on the back of the mandibular symphysis, and runs backward and slightly downward, to be inserted into the anterior surface of the body of the hyoid bone.

[clarification needed] It may be blended with the one on opposite side or double; slips to greater cornu of hyoid bone and genioglossus occur.

[citation needed] The geniohyoid muscle brings the hyoid bone forward and upwards.

[4] During the first act of deglutition, when the mass of food is being driven from the mouth into the pharynx, the hyoid bone, and with it the tongue, is carried upward and forward by the anterior bellies of the Digastrici, the Mylohyoidei, and Geniohyoidei.

[6] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 393 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)