Digastric
Digastric
Digastric (pronunciation: /dɪˈɡæstrɪk/) is a term used in anatomy to describe a muscle located in the neck. The name "digastric" is derived from the Greek words "di", meaning "double", and "gaster", meaning "belly". This refers to the muscle's unique structure, which consists of two 'bellies' connected by a central tendon.
Structure
The digastric muscle is composed of two parts, or 'bellies'. The anterior belly extends from the digastric fossa of the mandible, while the posterior belly extends from the mastoid notch of the temporal bone. These two bellies are connected by an intermediate tendon.
Function
The digastric muscle plays a crucial role in several functions, including swallowing and speech. It assists in the opening of the mouth by lowering the mandible, and also aids in the elevation of the hyoid bone.
Related Terms
- Mandible: The lower jawbone, which is moved by the digastric muscle.
- Hyoid bone: A horseshoe-shaped bone situated in the anterior midline of the neck between the chin and the thyroid cartilage, which is elevated by the digastric muscle.
- Temporal bone: A bone in the skull, which is the attachment point for the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.
- Digastric fossa: A depression on the inner surface of the lower border of the mandible, which serves as the attachment point for the anterior belly of the digastric muscle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Digastric
- Wikipedia's article - Digastric
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