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The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a two-headed neck muscle that is the largest muscle in the front of the neck. The name sternocleidomastoid is derived from the fact that the muscle originates at the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-) and the clavicle (cleido-) and has an insertion at the mastoid process (mastoid) of the temporal bone of the skull. The SCM muscle is involved in multiple actions, including rotating the head to the opposite side and flexing the neck. It also helps to stabilize the neck and protect its neurovascular structures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) |
| Type | Two-headed neck muscle |
| Location | Front of the neck |
| Size | Largest muscle in the front of the neck |
| Shape | Thick and narrow at the center, broader and thinner at the ends |
| Functions | Rotation of the head to the opposite side, flexion of the neck, accessory muscle of inspiration, helps maintain posture, helps in breathing |
| Parts | Sternal head, clavicular head |
| Innervation | Accessory nerve |
| Blood Supply | Sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital artery |
| Pathology | Torticollis, wryneck |
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What You'll Learn
- The sternocleidomastoid muscle is the largest muscle in the front of the neck
- It originates from two separate heads
- It helps with bending, turning and tilting the head
- It is involved in multiple actions, including rotation of the head to the opposite side
- It can be treated with hot or cold therapy, stretches, massage, or surgery
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is the largest muscle in the front of the neck
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the largest muscle in the front of the neck. It is a two-part muscle, with one part originating at the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-) and the other at the clavicle (cleido-). The two parts merge below the middle of the neck, forming a thick, rounded muscle that ends at the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull (mastoid).
The SCM muscle is responsible for several actions, including rotating the head to the opposite side, flexing the neck, and tilting the head. It is also involved in breathing, working with other neck muscles to lift the breastbone and collarbone during inhalation. The SCM muscle is easily palpable, and one can feel their pulse through it.
The SCM muscle is an important landmark in the neck, dividing it into an anterior and a posterior triangle. This muscle is closely related to several neurovascular structures, including the common carotid artery, accessory nerve, and brachial plexus.
The SCM muscle can be affected by various conditions, such as torticollis, which causes bending of the head to the affected muscle and rotation to the healthy side. SCM muscle pain can be treated with hot or cold therapy, stretches, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required if more conservative treatments are ineffective or if there is severe structural damage.
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It originates from two separate heads
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is the largest muscle in the front of the neck. It is a two-headed neck muscle, with two points of origin. Its sternal (or medial) head attaches to the superior portion of the anterior surface of the manubrium of the sternum. Its clavicular (or lateral) head attaches to the medial third of the clavicle along its superior surface.
The two heads are separated by a triangular interval, or triangular surface depression, known as the lesser supraclavicular fossa. This is a depression located above the clavicle, lateral to the clavicular site of insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The clavicular head travels deep to the sternal head, where they merge into a singular fleshy muscle.
The two heads join into one muscle belly, which inserts into the lateral surface of the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral half of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. The fibres from the clavicular portion attach primarily to the mastoid process, while fibres from the sternal portion typically continue to the attachment on the occipital bone.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle forms an important landmark, delineating the boundary between the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck.
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It helps with bending, turning and tilting the head
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a long, thin muscle that originates from two heads in the chest and neck region and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone behind the ear. Its name derives from its attachment sites: "sterno-" refers to its origin on the sternum (breastbone), "cleido-" refers to its attachment to the clavicle (collarbone), and "mastoid" refers to its insertion on the mastoid process. This muscle is one of the most superficial in the neck, and it is easily visible and palpable, especially when it contracts.
One of the primary functions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is to assist in moving the head. Due to its attachments and path, this muscle plays a crucial role in bending, turning, and tilting the head. When the muscle contracts, it facilitates flexion, rotation, and lateral tilting of the head, allowing for a wide range of motions that are essential for daily activities and overall neck mobility.
Bending, or flexing, the head involves decreasing the angle between the neck and chest. The sternocleidomastoid muscle helps to bend the head forward and downward by shortening the distance between its attachments. This action is crucial when we need to look down, such as when reading a book or looking at our phone. Similarly, it assists in returning the head to an upright position by providing the necessary force to extend the neck and increase the angle between the neck and chest.
Turning, or rotating, the head involves moving the face from side to side while keeping the body still. The sternocleidomastoid muscle enables this movement by working in conjunction with other neck muscles. When one sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts, it pulls on the mastoid process and rotates the head toward the same side. This action allows us to turn our heads to look over our shoulders or check our blind spots while driving.
Tilting the head involves lateral flexion, which is the movement of the head toward one shoulder while the body remains stationary. The sternocleidomastoid muscle assists in this action by facilitating the tilt of the head to the opposite side. For example, when the right sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts, it pulls the mastoid process and tilts the head to the left. This movement is important for gestures that convey emotion or emphasis during communication.
In summary, the sternocleidomastoid muscle plays a key role in neck mobility by enabling bending, turning, and tilting movements of the head. Its attachments and contractions generate the necessary forces to produce these actions, which are fundamental to our daily lives and well-being. Understanding the function of this muscle provides insight into the complex mechanics of the human body and the importance of maintaining proper neck health.
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It is involved in multiple actions, including rotation of the head to the opposite side
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is one of the largest and most superficial cervical muscles in the front of the neck. It is a two-part muscle that starts at the bottom of the neck and wraps around both sides, ending at the base of the skull. The SCM muscle is involved in multiple actions, including the rotation of the head to the opposite side.
The muscle gets its name from its two points of origin: the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-) and the clavicle (cleido-). The two heads of the muscle are separated by a triangular interval (lesser supraclavicular fossa) but gradually blend into a thick, rounded muscle. The SCM muscle inserts into the lateral aspect of the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral third of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
The SCM muscle is involved in the rotation of the head to the opposite side during unilateral contraction. This means that when one side of the muscle contracts, it causes the head to rotate to the opposite side. Additionally, during unilateral contraction, the SCM muscle also laterally flexes the neck to the same side at the cervical vertebral joints.
During bilateral contraction, the SCM muscle flexes the neck at the cervical vertebral joints and elevates the sternum and clavicles. It also acts as an accessory muscle of inspiration, helping with breathing.
The SCM muscle can be tested by rotating the head to the opposite side against resistance, during which the muscle can be seen and felt.
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It can be treated with hot or cold therapy, stretches, massage, or surgery
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is the largest muscle in the front of your neck. It is a powerful neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is also known as the sternomastoid or sterno muscle. The SCM muscle ends at the mastoid process, a section of bone located at the base of the skull behind the ears.
Injuries, tension, sprains, strains, atrophy, and tumors can damage the SCM muscle. Sternocleidomastoid syndrome, an acute or chronic condition, involves neck stiffness, pain, and other symptoms. It occurs when part of the SCM muscle develops tightened, sensitive areas, or trigger points. Treatment options for SCM-related issues include hot or cold therapy, stretches, massage, or surgery.
Hot or cold therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the SCM muscle. Applying heat can help increase blood flow and relax the muscle, while cold therapy can numb pain and reduce swelling. Alternating between hot and cold therapy can be effective in promoting healing and reducing discomfort.
Stretching is an important part of SCM treatment and prevention. Specific stretches targeting the SCM muscle can help improve flexibility, reduce tension, and prevent trigger points from developing. It is important to stretch both heads of the SCM separately to ensure effective relief.
Massage therapy can also be beneficial in treating SCM issues. Self-massage or professional massage can help release tension in the muscle, improve blood flow, and reduce the likelihood of trigger points forming. Massage can also aid in the recovery process by promoting relaxation and reducing pain.
In more severe cases of SCM issues, surgery may be considered. Surgical intervention is typically a last resort when other treatment methods have proven ineffective. The specific surgical procedure would depend on the exact issue within the SCM muscle and the severity of the condition. Surgery aims to address the underlying cause and provide long-lasting relief.
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Frequently asked questions
The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is the largest muscle in the front of your neck. It is a two-headed neck muscle that starts at the bottom of your neck, wraps around both sides, and ends at the base of your skull.
The name sternocleidomastoid is derived from the muscle's location and its parts. Sterno refers to the sternum or breastbone, cleido refers to the clavicle or collarbone, and mastoid refers to the mastoid process, a section of bone at the base of the skull behind the ears.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle helps you bend your neck, turn your head, and tilt your head. It also plays a role in maintaining posture and breathing by working with other neck muscles to lift the breastbone and collarbone during inhalation.
You can feel the sternocleidomastoid muscle on both sides of your neck, just below the skin. It is thick and easily palpable, allowing you to feel your pulse through it.
Pain in the SCM muscle can manifest as referred pain, meaning you may feel it in a different place than where it originates. Common treatments include hot or cold therapy, stretches, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and physical therapy. In severe cases of structural damage or tumours, surgery may be required.
