The muscles of the neck are responsible for supporting the head, allowing for movement of the head and neck, and assisting in breathing and swallowing. There are several key muscles in the neck, including:
1. Sternocleidomastoid: This muscle is located on the sides of the neck and runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. It allows for rotation and flexion of the head and neck.
2. Trapezius: This large muscle spans the neck and upper back and helps to move and stabilize the shoulder blades. It also assists in extending the head and neck.
3. Scalene muscles: There are three scalene muscles (anterior, middle, and posterior) located on the sides of the neck. They help to elevate the first and second ribs during breathing and assist in side bending and rotation of the neck.
4. Levator scapulae: This muscle runs from the upper cervical vertebrae to the scapula and helps to elevate and rotate the scapula.
5. Splenius muscles: The splenius capitis and splenius cervicis muscles run along the back of the neck and help to extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head and neck.
These muscles work together to provide stability and movement to the head and neck, allowing for a wide range of motion and functionality in daily activities. Strengthening and stretching exercises can help to improve the strength and flexibility of the neck muscles and reduce the risk of injury.
0
Google Gemini AI
more than 4 weeks ago
Superficial Muscles of the Neck
- Platysma: Thin, sheet-like muscle that covers the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck, running from the clavicle and pectoralis major to the mandible and facial muscles. Functions in depressing the mandible and expressing emotions. - Trapezius: Large, triangular muscle located on both sides of the back of the neck. It originates from the occipital bone, vertebral column, and clavicle, and inserts into the scapula. Functions in shoulder elevation and scapular adduction. - Sternocleidomastoid: Thick, strap-like muscle running diagonally across the anterior neck. It originates from the manubrium of the sternum and clavicle, and inserts into the mastoid process and occipital bone. Functions in neck flexion and rotation towards the opposite side.
Intermediate Muscles of the Neck
- Digastric: Small muscle with two bellies located on the lateral aspect of the neck. It originates from the mastoid process and inserts into the mandible. Functions in opening the mandible. - Mylohyoid: Thin muscle forming the floor of the mouth. It originates from the mandible and inserts into the hyoid bone. Functions in elevating the floor of the mouth. - Stylohyoid: Small muscle located between the skull and hyoid bone. It originates from the styloid process of the temporal bone and inserts into the hyoid bone. Functions in elevating and retracting the hyoid bone.
Deep Muscles of the Neck
- Scalenes: Group of three muscles located along the lateral aspect of the neck. They originate from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae and insert into the first two ribs. Functions in neck flexion and lateral bending. - Prevertebral group: Includes the longus coli, longus capitis, and rectus capitis anterior muscles. These muscles originate from the anterior aspects of the cervical vertebrae and insert into the skull and upper cervical vertebrae. Functions in neck flexion and rotation. - Retrovertebral group: Includes the semispinalis capitis, splenius capitis, and rectus capitis posterior muscles. These muscles originate from the posterior aspects of the cervical vertebrae and insert into the skull and upper cervical vertebrae. Functions in neck extension and rotation. - Suprahyoid muscles: Include the geniohyoid, mylohyoid, and digastric muscles. They originate from the mandible and hyoid bone and insert into the tongue and larynx. Functions in elevating the larynx and swallowing. - Infrahyoid muscles: Include the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid muscles. They originate from the sternum, clavicle, and thyroid cartilage and insert into the hyoid bone and larynx. Functions in depressing the larynx and swallowing.