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The Digastric is a member of the Suprahyoid Group, which is composed of the:
- Digastric
- Mylohyoid
- Geniohyoid
- Stylohyoid
The Digastric has two bellies: Posterior belly and Anterior belly. The two bellies are connected to each other by the Central Tendon (aka the Intermediate Tendon), which is attached to the hyoid bone by a fibrous sling of tissue.
ATTACHMENTS:
- The digastric attaches from the temporal bone to the hyoid bone to the mandible.
- The posterior belly attaches from the temporal bone to the hyoid bone (via a fibrous sling of tissue).
- The anterior belly attaches from the hyoid bone (via a fibrous sling of tissue) to the mandible.
ACTIONS:
- Depresses of the mandible at the temporomandibular joints (TMJs).
- Elevates the hyoid bone.
- Flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
- Extends the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
NOTE: The digastric is the prime mover muscle of depression of the mandible at the TMJs.
