It acts draw the hyoid bone upwards and backwards.

[3] It is perforated near its insertion by the intermediate tendon of the digastric muscle.

[3] The stylohyoid muscle elevates and retracts the hyoid bone (i.e. draws it superiorly and posteriorly).

[3] The stylohyoid muscle elongates the floor of the mouth.

[citation needed] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 392 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918) Anatomy figure: 34:02-04 at Human Anatomy Online, SUNY Downstate Medical Center