Neck
digastric
dye-GAS-trik
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Under-jaw ache or swallowing pain, from clenching. Persistent lump or drooling needs doc.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
Anterior: mandible digastric fossa (lower jaw notch); Posterior: mastoid process (skull behind ear)
Insertion
Intermediate tendon at hyoid bone (under chin sling)
Actions
- Mandible depression (opens mouth)
- Hyoid elevation (swallowing aid)
Innervation
Anterior: mylohyoid nerve (V3); Posterior: facial nerve (VII)
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
MasseterTemporalis
Synergists
MylohyoidGeniohyoid
Trigger Points
Under jaw both bellies; refers to teeth, ear, throat.
Stretches
1Chin tuck with jaw open
2Neck extensor stretch
3Tongue depressor stretch
Common Conditions
Digastric strainSubmandibular myofascial painTMJ disorder
Anatomical Parts
Right digastricLeft digastricLeft digastricRight digastricLeft digastric
FAQ
What does digastric muscle do?
Opens mouth and elevates hyoid for swallow.
Digastric pain under jaw?
From clenching or yawning overuse.
Exercises for digastric
8
Chin To Chest Stretch
beginner
Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back
beginner·Bodyweight
Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides
beginner·Bodyweight
Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Neck-SMR
intermediate·other
Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Side Neck Stretch
beginner
Also Works digastric
1
Related Neck Muscles
arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.
inferior pharyngeal constrictor
Inferior pharyngeal constrictor wraps lower throat, constricting for swallowing. Supports airway protection.
Neck Pain Guide
Common causes and relief
Activities & Sports
See which activities use digastric