MUSCLES OF THE NECK

MUSCLES OF THE NECK

There are many muscles situated in the neck but only the two largest are considered.

1. STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID.

This muscle arises from the manubrium of the sternum and the clavicle and extends upwards to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

It assists in turning the head from side to side.

When the muscle on one side contracts it draws the head towards the shoulder.

When both contract at the same time they flex the cervical vertebrae or draw the sternum and clavicles upwards when the head is maintained in a fixed position,e.g.in forced respiration.

2. TRAPEZIUS .

This muscle covers the shoulder and the back of the neck. The upper attachment is to the occipital protuberance, the medial attachment is to the transverse processes of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae and the lateral attachment is to the clavicle and to the spinous and acromion processes of the scapula.

It pulls the head backwards,squares the shoulders and controls the movements of the scapula when the shoulder joint is in use.