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The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. There are about 30 muscles in the neck that support and stabilise the neck and head, allowing for a wide range of movements. These muscles also assist with chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The neck muscles can be divided into three groups based on their position in the neck: anterior, lateral, and posterior. The cervical spine, or neck, is the first seven stacked vertebral bones of the spine, surrounded by muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscles in the neck | 20-30 |
| Types of muscles | Anterior, Lateral, Posterior |
| Functions | Support and stabilise the neck, head and spine, enable movement, assist with chewing, swallowing, breathing, speaking, and facial expressions |
| Muscle names | Platysma, Trapezius, Sternocleidomastoid, Levator scapulae, Erector spinae, Deep cervical flexors, Suboccipitals, Multifidi, Rotatores, Longus capitis, Longus colli, Rectus capitis lateralis, Rectus capitis anterior, Rectus capitis posterior major, Rectus capitis posterior minor, Obliquus capitis superior, Obliquus capitis inferior, Splenius capitis, Splenius cervicis, Semispinalis capitis, Semispinalis cervicis, Multifidus cervicis, Intertransversarii colli, Scalenes, Suprahyoid, Infrahyoid |
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What You'll Learn
The neck's musculoskeletal system
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, and other connective tissues. The neck muscles are part of a complex musculoskeletal system that connects the base of the skull to the torso. The neck has about 30 muscles that extend from the skull and jaw down to the shoulder blades and collarbone. These muscles support and stabilise the head, neck, and the upper part of the spine. They also help with a range of movements, including chewing, swallowing, breathing, and making facial expressions.
The neck muscles can be divided into three main categories: anterior (front), lateral (side), and posterior (back). The anterior neck muscles can be further divided into four distinct regions: superficial, suprahyoid, infrahyoid, and scalene muscles. The superficial muscles are some of the largest muscles in the neck. The suprahyoid muscles control the movement of the hyoid bone (a bone at the top of the neck, just below the jawline) when swallowing and speaking. The infrahyoid muscles consist of four muscles below the hyoid bone that move the larynx (voice box) up and down. The scalene muscles move the first two ribs up and down during breathing and help stabilise the bones in the neck (cervical spine).
The lateral neck muscles control head movements from the base of the skull, allowing the head to twist and tilt. The posterior neck muscles can be divided into three layers: the superficial layer, which includes the trapezius, splenius capitis, and splenius cervicis muscles; the deep layer, which includes the cervical transversospinalis muscles; and the deepest layer, which includes the suboccipital muscles, interspinales cervicis, and intertransversarii colli muscles. The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle with a diamond shape. The suboccipital muscles are just below the occipital bone at the base of the skull and help extend the head in different directions. The transversospinalis muscles help move the head forward and backward, as well as tilting it from side to side.
The neck muscles are innervated by various cervical nerves and their branches, as well as cranial nerves. The cervical ganglia are a trio of sympathetic nervous system ganglia that lie alongside the vertebral column. The OA joint, formed by the connection between the occipital condyles of the skull and C1 (the atlas), provides attachment points for some neck muscles and helps bear the weight of the skull. C2 (the axis) articulates with C1 through a structure called the dens, allowing for a greater range of motion in rotating the head.
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Neck muscle groups
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The cervical spine, or neck, is the first seven stacked vertebral bones of the spine. The neck muscles support and stabilise the vertebrae of the neck, allowing for movement and maintaining an upright posture.
There are about 30 muscles in the neck, divided into three main groups: anterior, lateral, and posterior. These muscles help the head move in multiple directions, including rotating side to side, bending forward, backward, and sideways. The anterior neck muscles consist of superficial muscles that help move the mouth, lower face, and the front of the neck. They also help angle the neck downward and rotate the neck. The infrahyoid and suprahyoid muscles, for example, control the hyoid bone when swallowing or speaking. The scalenes are another muscle group in the anterior neck that helps with neck rotation and pulling the head back.
The lateral neck muscles play a role in moving the head and contracting the neck. The posterior neck muscles are divided into three groups: the superficial muscles, which help bend the neck; the suboccipital muscles, which help rotate and bend the head; and the transversospinalis muscles, which extend the head, cervical, and thoracic spine, while also bending the head, neck, and spine in different directions.
The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle that forms a diamond shape with its counterpart. It helps tilt the head, rotate the head, and lift the shoulder blade. The platysma is a sheet-like muscle in the anterior neck that contributes to facial expressions, such as pulling the corners of the mouth inferiorly to produce an expression of sadness.
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Neck muscle functions
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The cervical spine, or neck, is the first seven stacked vertebral bones of the spine. The neck muscles support and stabilise the vertebrae of the neck, allowing for an upright posture and head movement.
There are about 30 muscles in the neck, divided into three main groups based on their position: anterior, lateral, and posterior. The anterior neck muscles help with the movement of the mouth, lower face, and front of the neck. They also assist with swallowing and speaking. The suprahyoid muscles, for example, control the hyoid bone when swallowing or speaking. The infrahyoid muscles move the hyoid bone and larynx down. The scalenes, another anterior muscle, help rotate the neck and pull the head back.
The lateral neck muscles play a role in moving the head and contracting the neck. The posterior neck muscles are grouped into three layers: superficial, suboccipital, and transversospinalis. The superficial muscles help bend the neck, the suboccipital muscles help rotate the head and bend the neck, and the transversospinalis muscles extend and bend the head, neck, and spine in different directions.
The suboccipitals are a group of four tiny muscles that connect the skull to the first and second vertebrae of the neck. They include the rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis superior, and obliquus capitis inferior. The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle that forms a diamond shape with its counterpart. It helps tilt the head, rotate the head, and lift the shoulder blade. The platysma is a sheet-like muscle in the anterior neck that contributes to facial expressions.
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Common neck muscle injuries
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It is made up of about 30 muscles that support and stabilise the head, neck, and upper spine, while also assisting with chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
Given the importance of the neck, injuries can have significant consequences. Here are some common neck muscle injuries:
Stiff Muscles and Tendons
Also known as a "crick in the neck," stiffness can be caused by awkward movements or maintaining the same neck position for an extended period, such as during sleep. This can often be alleviated by changing your posture frequently and taking regular breaks, particularly when sitting at a desk.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, jelly-like interior of a spinal disc leaks or bulges out. This is usually due to wear and tear but can also be caused by sudden injuries, such as a fall.
Pinched Nerve
Pinched nerves are often caused by muscle sprains or strains, where bone, tissue, or tendons push against surrounding nerves, resulting in pain.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common neck injury caused by the head being suddenly thrashed in one direction, often due to rear-end vehicle collisions. It can result in damage to muscles, ligaments, joints, bones, discs, and nerves. Whiplash injuries vary in severity, with more serious cases involving fractures, neural or vascular compromise, and joint instability.
Fractured Cervical Spine
Although rare, a fractured cervical spine or broken neck is a severe condition requiring immediate medical attention.
It is important to note that neck injuries should be properly diagnosed and treated, and persistent or severe neck pain should not be ignored. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, injections, acupuncture, and medical massage therapy.
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How to strengthen neck muscles
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The neck muscles support and stabilise the head, neck, and upper spine, allowing for a range of movements, including chewing, swallowing, and breathing. There are about 30 neck muscles that can be categorised into three main groups based on their position in the neck: anterior, lateral, and posterior.
Chin Tucks
The chin tuck exercise strengthens the muscles that support good posture. It helps pull the head back into alignment over the shoulders and stretches the scalene muscles on the side of the neck and the suboccipital muscles at the top of the neck and base of the skull. To perform this exercise, tuck your chin and draw your head upwards towards the ceiling. Return to the starting position and repeat 10-15 repetitions, three times. You can also do this exercise throughout the day, such as while sitting in a car or at a desk, to develop good postural habits.
Neck Side-Flexor Strengthening
Lie on your side and bend your neck by taking your ear towards your shoulder. You will feel the muscles on the side of your neck contracting. Let your neck relax back, then repeat ten repetitions on each side, three times in total.
Wall Lean Neck Strengthening
Stand about one foot away from a wall and place a towel behind your head. Lean against the towel, ensuring your body has good straight alignment, and keep your chin up. Hold this position for one minute, repeating three times. If you find this easy, stand a little further from the wall.
Prone Cobra
The prone cobra is an advanced exercise that strengthens the muscles of the shoulder girdle, neck, and upper back. Lie on your stomach with your forehead on a rolled-up hand towel and your arms at your sides, palms down. Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth to stabilise the muscles in the front of your neck. Pinch your shoulder blades together and lift your hands off the floor.
Isometric Neck Strengthening
Place your palm on your forehead and resist flexion of your neck while keeping your head still. Hold and then relax, feeling the muscles at the front and side of your neck contracting. Hold each contraction for 5-10 seconds and repeat three times.
In addition to these exercises, maintaining good posture and having a comfortable and ergonomic work setup can help reduce neck pain and improve neck strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Neck muscles are a collection of structures that connect the head to the torso. They are made up of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, and other connective tissues. There are about 30 neck muscles that help support and stabilise the neck and head.
Neck muscles can be divided into three main groups based on their position in the neck: anterior, lateral, and posterior. The anterior group includes muscles such as the longus capitis, longus colli, rectus capitis lateralis, and rectus capitis anterior, which help stabilise the neck and control forward neck movements. The lateral group includes five muscles that help move the head and contract the neck. The posterior group is further divided into three subgroups: superficial muscles, suboccipital muscles, and transversospinalis muscles.
The posterior neck muscles include the trapezius, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, and suboccipital muscles. The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle that forms a diamond shape with its counterpart. The suboccipitals are a group of four tiny muscles that connect the skull to the first and second vertebrae of the neck, helping with head rotation and movement.
