What is the nerve supply for the anterior belly of the digastric muscle?

The anterior belly of the digastric muscle receives its nerve supply from the mylohyoid nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3). This innervation allows the muscle to function in performing actions such as lowering the mandible and elevating the hyoid bone during swallowing and speaking.

Understanding the anatomy of the digastric muscle is crucial; it has two muscle bellies connected by an intermediate tendon, with the posterior belly innervated by the facial nerve. The mylohyoid nerve provides motor function specifically to the anterior belly, which is significant for the coordination of movements involving the jaw.

Other options, while they may provide innervation to various muscles in the neck or face, do not specifically supply the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. The facial nerve primarily innervates muscles of facial expression, the mandibular nerve itself is a broader category under which the mylohyoid nerve falls, while the glossopharyngeal nerve is associated with swallowing and tongue sensations but not with the digastric muscle.