DIGASTRIC MUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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The digastric muscle is a pair of muscles located in the neck region that play an important role in various bodily functions. It is named as such due to its double-bellied structure, with each belly having distinct anatomical features.
The digastric muscle consists of an anterior belly and a posterior belly, both of which are connected by a tendinous band called the intermediate tendon. The anterior belly originates from the digastric fossa on the inner surface of the mandible (lower jawbone), near the symphysis menti. The posterior belly, on the other hand, arises from the mastoid process of the temporal bone, located just behind the ear.
These two bellies unite through the intermediate tendon, which passes through a fibrous loop called the hyoid bone. The anterior belly inserts onto the body of the hyoid bone, while the posterior belly inserts onto the lesser horn of the hyoid bone.
Functionally, the digastric muscle is involved in a variety of movements. It assists in opening the mouth, depressing the mandible, and elevating the hyoid bone during swallowing and speech production. These actions are crucial for activities such as eating, drinking, and effective vocalization.
In summary, the digastric muscle is a paired neck muscle consisting of an anterior and posterior belly, connected by an intermediate tendon. Its main functions involve the movement of the jaw, the stabilization of the hyoid bone, and its involvement in various activities such as swallowing and speaking.
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One with two fleshy bellies separated by a fibrous insertion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DIGASTRIC MUSCLE
- sigastric muscle
- xigastric muscle
- cigastric muscle
- figastric muscle
- rigastric muscle
- eigastric muscle
- dugastric muscle
- djgastric muscle
- dkgastric muscle
- dogastric muscle
- d9gastric muscle
- d8gastric muscle
- difastric muscle
- divastric muscle
- dibastric muscle
- dihastric muscle
- diyastric muscle
- ditastric muscle
- digzstric muscle
- digsstric muscle
Etymology of DIGASTRIC MUSCLE
The word "digastric" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots:
1. "Di-" is a prefix in Greek that means "two" or "double".
2. "Gaster" is a Greek word meaning "belly" or "stomach".
Combining these two roots, the term "digastric" literally means "having two bellies". This refers to the fact that the digastric muscle consists of two bellies connected by a central tendon.
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