Anterior belly of digastric muscle
Venter anterior musculi digastrici
- Latin synonym: Venter mandibularis musculi digastrici
- Related terms: Anterior belly; Digastric (Anterior belly); Digastric: Anterior belly
Definition
The anterior belly of digastric muscle is the smaller, anterior part of the digastric muscle.
Origin
From the digastric fossa on the inner surface of the mandible, near the midline.
Insertion
It runs posteroinferiorly toward the hyoid bone, joining the intermediate tendon, which is attached to the hyoid by a fibrous sling.
Innervation
Mylohyoid nerve — a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve (from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, CN V3).
Action
When acting alone, it helps depress the mandible; with the posterior belly, it elevates the hyoid bone during swallowing and speech.
References
Tranchito EN, Bordoni B. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Digastric Muscle. [Updated 2024 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544352/
