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Morphological study of the anatomical variations of anterior belly of digastric muscle in Brazilian cadavers
, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1
Affiliations- Department of Biosciences, Anatomy Division, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
- Basic Sciences Department, Araçatuba Dental School, Paulista State University – UNESP, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
Background: Cases of variations in anterior belly of the digastric muscle must be
carefully identified to avoid misinterpretations and assist in the correct surgical or
aesthetic procedure and help in the teaching of anatomy. The aim of this study
was to describe the anatomical variations of anterior belly of digastric muscle in
Brazilian cadavers.
Materials and methods: Thirty-one human heads were selected, from adult
cadavers (18–80 years, 29 males and 2 females). The morphology of the anterior
belly of the digastric muscle was observed, identifying the possible anatomical
variations that were characterised and classified according to the amount of
muscle bellies, fibre direction and place of origin and insertion. The morphometric
measurements were performed using a digital calliper. To analyse the data
obtained, photographic documentation, anatomical description and individual
morphometric description of each muscle belly were performed. The incidence
of anatomical variation was obtained in percentage (%).
Results: The anatomical variation of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle was
present in 6 cadavers (19.31%; 1 female and 5 male). All anatomical variations
presented an accessory belly to the anterior belly. However, these accessory bellies
were configured differently in the location, direction of muscle fibres and in their
dimensions (length and width).
Conclusions: The gross anatomy of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle
and their variations is important to assist in surgical procedures, pathological or
diagnostic function. In addition, asymmetrical variations in the submental region
must be carefully identified to avoid misinterpretations.
Abstract
Background: Cases of variations in anterior belly of the digastric muscle must be
carefully identified to avoid misinterpretations and assist in the correct surgical or
aesthetic procedure and help in the teaching of anatomy. The aim of this study
was to describe the anatomical variations of anterior belly of digastric muscle in
Brazilian cadavers.
Materials and methods: Thirty-one human heads were selected, from adult
cadavers (18–80 years, 29 males and 2 females). The morphology of the anterior
belly of the digastric muscle was observed, identifying the possible anatomical
variations that were characterised and classified according to the amount of
muscle bellies, fibre direction and place of origin and insertion. The morphometric
measurements were performed using a digital calliper. To analyse the data
obtained, photographic documentation, anatomical description and individual
morphometric description of each muscle belly were performed. The incidence
of anatomical variation was obtained in percentage (%).
Results: The anatomical variation of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle was
present in 6 cadavers (19.31%; 1 female and 5 male). All anatomical variations
presented an accessory belly to the anterior belly. However, these accessory bellies
were configured differently in the location, direction of muscle fibres and in their
dimensions (length and width).
Conclusions: The gross anatomy of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle
and their variations is important to assist in surgical procedures, pathological or
diagnostic function. In addition, asymmetrical variations in the submental region
must be carefully identified to avoid misinterpretations.
Keywords
anatomy, digastric muscle, anatomical variations, morphology
About this articleTitle
Morphological study of the anatomical variations of anterior belly of digastric muscle in Brazilian cadavers
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
677-682
Published online
2022-08-25
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951
Article views/downloads
588
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Folia Morphol 2023;82(3):677-682.
Keywords
anatomy
digastric muscle
anatomical variations
morphology
Authors
D. J. Gross
A. C. Rossi
B. C. Ferreira-Pileggi
L. N. O. Watanabe
P. R. Botacin
F. B. Prado
A. R. Freire
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