Pronunciation: [dɪɡˈastɹɪk] (IPA) 
Digastric is spelled with two syllables, di-gas-tric. The first syllable is pronounced with a short i sound as in 'did' and the second syllable is pronounced with a long a as in 'gas' and a short i as in 'trick'. The word refers to a muscle in the jaw that helps with chewing and swallowing. While the word may seem difficult to spell, breaking it down phonetically can make it easier to remember and pronounce correctly.
Digastric is an anatomical term used to describe a specific muscle in the body known as the digastric muscle. It is derived from the Latin words "di" meaning "two" and "gaster" meaning "belly." This muscle is called digastric because it has two separate bellies.
The digastric muscle is located in the neck region and is responsible for various movements of the jaw and hyoid bone. It is characterized by its distinctive double-belly structure, which consists of an anterior belly and a posterior belly. The two bellies of the digastric muscle are connected by a tendon that runs through a fibrous loop called the intermediate tendon.
The anterior belly originates from the inner surface of the lower border of the mandible (jawbone), near the chin region. It then extends downwards to attach to the intermediate tendon. The posterior belly arises from the mastoid notch of the temporal bone, which is located behind the ear. It also attaches to the intermediate tendon.
The digastric muscle plays a crucial role in various actions involving the jaw and hyoid bone, such as opening and closing the mouth, swallowing, chewing, and speech production. It aids in the movement of the hyoid bone, which is important for proper tongue positioning during these actions.
Overall, the term digastric refers to the anatomical structure and function of the digastric muscle, which consists of two bellies connected by a tendon and is involved in various movements of the jaw and hyoid bone.
1. Having two bellies, noting especially a muscle with two fleshy parts separated by an intervening tendinous part. 2. Musculus digastricus. 3. Relating to the digastric muscle, noting a fossa or groove with which it is in relation, and a nerve supplying its posterior belly.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Having a double belly-applied to a muscle of the lower jaw.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "digastric" derives from the combination of two Greek roots: "di-" meaning "two" or "double", and "gaster" meaning "stomach" or "belly". The Greek word "digaster" referred to the genitive case (indicating possession) of the word "stomach". Over time, the term evolved into its Latin form "digastricus", which eventually entered the English language as "digastric". In anatomy, the term is commonly used to refer to a muscle with two bellies or muscle heads.
