Posterior belly of digastric muscle
Venter posterior musculi digastrici
- Latin synonym: Venter mastoideus musculi digastrici
- Related terms: Posterior belly; Digastric (Posterior belly); Digastric: Posterior belly
Definition
The posterior belly of digastric muscle is the longer and more posterior part of the digastric muscle.
Origin
From the mastoid notch of the temporal bone, located medial to the mastoid process.
Insertion
It passes anteroinferiorly to join the intermediate tendon, which is anchored to the hyoid bone by a fibrous loop.
Innervation
Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Action
Elevates and pulls the hyoid bone upward and backward during swallowing; when the hyoid is fixed, it assists in depressing the mandible.
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/
