skip to main content

Genial Tubercle Attachments — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Genial Tubercle AttachmentsMFDS Part 1

During planning of a midline mandibular osteotomy, the surgeon identifies the mental spines (genial tubercles) on the lingual surface of the mandibular symphysis. Which muscle attachment relationship is anatomically correct?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Genioglossus to the superior spines; geniohyoid to the inferior spines

The correct answer is D. The genial tubercles are situated on the lingual aspect of the mandibular symphysis. Genioglossus originates from the superior mental spines, whereas geniohyoid originates from the inferior mental spines. Option B reverses these attachments. Mylohyoid arises chiefly from the mylohyoid line rather than the genial tubercles, excluding C and D. The anterior belly of digastric attaches to the digastric fossa near the lower border of the mandible, not to the mental spines. Hyoglossus arises from the hyoid bone rather than the mandible, excluding E. Although the number and morphology of individual tubercles vary, their superior and inferior muscle attachment regions remain distinguishable.

Reference: Moufarrege R, et al. 3D Genial Tubercle Anatomic Considerations in Genioglossus Advancement Surgery. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39031714/