Which nerve supplies the posterior belly of the digastric muscle?

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Multiple Choice

Which nerve supplies the posterior belly of the digastric muscle?

The posterior belly of the digastric is supplied by a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). This part of the muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch, which brings motor innervation from CN VII. In contrast, the anterior belly gets its nerve from the nerve to the mylohyoid (a branch of V3, the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve), reflecting its first-arch origin. So, innervation of the posterior belly by CN VII is the best answer because it matches the embryologic origin and the specific motor branch that supplies this belly.

The posterior belly of the digastric is supplied by a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). This part of the muscle is derived from the second pharyngeal arch, which brings motor innervation from CN VII. In contrast, the anterior belly gets its nerve from the nerve to the mylohyoid (a branch of V3, the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve), reflecting its first-arch origin. So, innervation of the posterior belly by CN VII is the best answer because it matches the embryologic origin and the specific motor branch that supplies this belly.

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