Digastric Muscle

Description[edit | edit source]

The digastric muscle (also digastricus) (named digastric as it has two 'bellies') is a small muscle located under the jaw. The term "digastric muscle" refers to this specific muscle. However, other muscles that have two separate muscle bellies include the ligament of Treitz, omohyoid, occipitofrontalis.

It lies below the body of the mandible, and extends, in a curved form, from the mastoid process to the symphysis menti. It belongs to the suprahyoid muscles group.

A broad aponeurotic layer is given off from the tendon of the digastricus on either side, to be attached to the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone; this is termed the suprahyoid aponeurosis.[1]

Origin[edit | edit source]

anterior belly - digastric fossa (mandible); posterior belly - mastoid process of temporal bone

Insertion[edit | edit source]

Intermediate tendon (hyoid bone)

Nerve Supply
[edit | edit source]

anterior belly - mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal (CN V) via the mylohyoid nerve; posterior belly - facial nerve (CN VII)

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

anterior belly - Submental branch of facial artery; posterior belly - occipital artery

Function[edit | edit source]


Action[edit | edit source]

Opens the jaw when the masseter and the temporalis are relaxed.

functional contributation[edit | edit source]


Trigger Point Referral Pattern[edit | edit source]

                                                                           

                                                         

                                             

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Palpation[edit | edit source]


Length tension testing[edit | edit source]


Strength Testing[edit | edit source]


Treatment[edit | edit source]



Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]

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References[edit | edit source]