Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Isolation and Characterization of Satellite Cells from Rat Head Branchiomeric Muscles
Published on: July 20, 2015
The complete anatomy of the digastric muscle variation: a meta-analysis of its variations, prevalence and clinical
Kamila Kowalewska1, Marcel Frankiewicz1, Hanna Mielecka1
1Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
Introduction:
Digastric muscle (DM) constitutes a fundamental component of the suprahyoid region, where it contributes to the indirect depression of the mandible and plays an essential role in deglutition and phonation. The objective of the present study is to systematically evaluate the morphometry and anatomical characteristics of DM through a comprehensive meta-analysis of studies reporting extractable data pertaining to this muscle.
Materials And Methods:
Major online medical databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SciELO, BIOSIS, Current Content Connect and Korean Journal Database were searched to gather all relevant studies regarding the anatomical characteristics of DM.
Results:
The results of the present meta-analysis comprised 52 studies. The overall frequency of DM variation in the general population is 17.51% (95% CI: 13.70-22.12%) occurring more often in men 10.78% (95% CI: 5.58-19.81%) than in women 7.19% (95% CI: 3.83-13.12%). Based on the De-Ary-Pires classification, the most prevalent morphological pattern of the DM was consistently identified as Type I. The pooled mean length of DM was calculated at 42.41 mm (95% CI: 33.32-51.49).
Conclusions:
This study represents the most extensive and up-to-date evaluation of DM morphometry and anatomy to date. Its findings provide an important reference for clinicians, particularly surgeons performing procedures in the head and neck region.
Related Concept Videos
Muscles of the Anterior Neck
Muscles for Facial Expressions
Muscles of the Shoulder
Anterior Thoracic Muscles
The anterior thoracic muscles include the serratus anterior, subclavius, and...
Naming Skeletal Muscles
The key factors used in naming muscles include:
Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
The Hyoid Bone

