The digastric intermediate tendon is the central tendinous portion of the digastric muscle, connecting the anterior and posterior bellies and looping through a fibrous sling attached to the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone. The sling allows the tendon to change direction, transmitting the pull of the posterior belly (which elevates the hyoid) and the anterior belly (which lowers the mandible) through this hyoid-anchored pulley mechanism.
The intermediate tendon and its hyoid sling are a key surgical landmark in the submandibular triangle, where the tendon defines the posterior boundary of the submandibular gland's fascial compartment. During submandibular gland excision and neck dissection, the intermediate tendon is used as the posterior dissection limit to avoid injury to the hypoglossal nerve and the facial artery that cross medial and deep to the tendon at this level. Calcification of the digastric tendon is occasionally visible on panoramic dental radiograph.
Rare calcific tendinopathy at the intermediate digastric tendon-sling junction produces acute neck and submandibular pain mimicking dental or submandibular gland pathology, visible as a calcific opacity near the hyoid bone on panoramic radiograph or neck CT, managed with anti-inflammatory medication.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
