Unilateral asymmetrical anterior bellies of the digastric muscle in coexistence with accessory muscle bundles in the submental triangle: A rare case report

Abstract

A three-headed anterior belly of the digastric muscle (ABDM) on the right side of a 54-year old Greek male cadaver coexisted with two accessory muscle bundles (AMB) in the submental region. The left ABDM was typical. Typical ABDM was attached to the digastric fossa, while the accessory right anterior bellies to the lower border of the mandible. A muscle bundle arising from the attachment of the left ABDM to the hyoid bone was also observed fusing with the AMB of the ipsilateral side. It is of extreme importance to be aware of the submental region anatomical variations during surgery, imaging interpretation or differential diagnosis of neck masses.