The topographical distribution of motoneurons innervating the digastric muscle in the rabbit and guinea pig was re-examined by the retrograde tracing method of HRP (horseradish peroxidase). Motoneurons innervating the anterior belly of the digastric muscle of the rabbit and guinea pig constituted a longitudinal cell column in the ventromedial part of the motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve. Motoneurons innervating the posterior belly of the digastric muscle were localized in the accessory facial nucleus. No motoneurons supplying the digastric muscle were found within the main facial nucleus.