Posterior belly of digastric

The posterior belly of the digastric (latin: venter posterior musculi digastrici) is the largest of the two bellies of the digastric muscle, and it develops from the second pharyngeal arch.

Origin

The posterior belly originates from the mastoid notch medial to the mastoid process on the temporal bone.

Insertion

From the origin site the posterior belly of the digastric stretches forward and becomes or inserts into the intermediate tendon, which attaches to the hyoid bone.

Action

Upon activation the posterior belly of the digastric elevates the hyoid bone.

Innervation

The posterior belly of the digastric muscle receives nerve supply from the digastric branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).