Digastric
The digastric muscle is a small muscle located in the neck, playing a crucial role in the movement of the jaw. It consists of two muscle bellies, the anterior and posterior, connected by an intermediate tendon. This muscle helps in the process of swallowing and assists in lowering the jaw, making it essential for actions like chewing and speaking.
The digastric muscle is innervated by two different cranial nerves: the trigeminal nerve for the anterior belly and the facial nerve for the posterior belly. Its name, "digastric," comes from the Greek words meaning "two bellies," reflecting its unique structure.