The digastric muscle is a paired muscle located in the anterior (front) part of the neck. It consists of two bellies, the anterior belly and posterior belly, which are connected by a tendon that passes through an intermediate tendon sling attached to the hyoid bone. The anterior belly of the digastric muscle originates from the inner surface of the mandible (lower jaw), and the posterior belly originates from the mastoid process, a bony projection behind the ear. The muscle inserts onto the intermediate tendon sling, which is attached to the hyoid bone. The digastric muscle is responsible for several movements of the hyoid bone and the mandible, including elevation of the hyoid bone during swallowing, depression of the mandible during opening of the mouth, and anterior movement of the hyoid bone and larynx during speaking and singing. The digastric muscle is innervated by the mylohyoid nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), and the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). Dysfunction or weakness of the digastric muscle can lead to difficulties with swallowing, speaking, and opening the mouth, and may contribute to postural imbalances in the neck and shoulder region.