Mylohyoid Lingual Flange Limit — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: A — The mylohyoid muscle and its ridge
The mylohyoid muscle attaches to the mylohyoid ridge on the lingual inner surface of the mandible. This anatomical attachment directly determines the depth of the lingual sulcus (alveolingual sulcus) and therefore controls how far the lingual flange of a mandibular denture can extend into the sublingual space while remaining within the denture-bearing area. Correct flange extension in this region is critical for denture retention and stability. The other muscles are not relevant to lingual sulcus anatomy: the masseter and buccinator attach buccally; the lateral pterygoid controls mandibular movement; and the temporalis is attached to the coronoid process.
Reference: Dentistical prosthodontic principles and complete denture anatomy; supported by Azzam MK et al. (J Prosthet Dent 2011) on lingual flange extension and mandibular retention, and cadaveric surgical anatomy (Lacci et al., 2023) demonstrating mylohyoid muscle role as a structural barrier. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17672832/