digastric
The term "digastric" refers to a muscle located in the neck, specifically known as the digastric muscle. This muscle has two muscle bellies connected by an intermediate tendon, which gives it the name "digastric," meaning "two bellies" in Greek. It plays a crucial role in the movement of the jaw, particularly in actions like chewing and swallowing.
The digastric muscle is divided into two parts: the anterior belly and the posterior belly. The anterior belly originates from the mandible, while the posterior belly originates from the mastoid notch of the temporal bone. Together, they help lower the jaw and stabilize the hyoid bone during various activities.