Abstract

Aim: Anterior belly of digastric muscle forms the boundary of submental and submandibular triangles, and is an important surgical landmark of the suprahyoid region. It attaches above to the digastric fossa on the mandible and below to the intermediate tendon of the muscle. Materials and methods: Thirty formalin-embalmed cadavers were examined for variations in the anterior belly of digastric muscle. Results: Anomalous muscles were seen in two cases (6.6%), one unilateral and one bilateral. Anterior belly of digastric muscle was absent on the left side in one cadaver. Symmetrical appearance of accessory muscles, medial and parallel to the main bellies was noted in the bilateral case. Conclusion: Variations in the anterior belly like the presence of accessory fibers or absence of the anterior belly alter the anatomic layout of the region between the mandible and hyoid bone, which is relevant for clinicians, surgeons, and radiologists dealing with the suprahyoid area. Clinical significance: Atypical anterior belly of digastric muscle is likely to affect the movements of joints involving mandible and hyoid, surgical interventions in the suprahyoid region, and the interpretation of diagnostic scans.

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