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The neck is a complex musculoskeletal system that connects the base of the skull to the torso. There are about 30 muscles in the neck that support and stabilise the head, neck, and upper spine, while also facilitating movement. These muscles are divided into anterior, lateral, and posterior groups based on their position in the neck. The neck muscles are essential for a range of movements and functions, including turning the head, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. The cervical spine, composed of seven vertebrae, plays a crucial role in neck movement and stability. It provides attachment points for some neck muscles and supports the weight of the skull. Various neck muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and suboccipital muscles, are specifically involved in rotating the neck. Strengthening these neck rotation muscles is important for improving neck stability, motion, and injury prevention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of neck muscles | 30 |
| Muscle groups | Anterior, lateral, posterior |
| Superficial muscles | Platysma, sternocleidomastoid |
| Suprahyoids | Digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, stylohyoid |
| Infrahyoids | Sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, omohyoid |
| Muscles forming musculoskeletal columns around vertebra | Anterior, lateral, posterior vertebral muscle groups |
| Lateral neck muscles | Anterior, middle, posterior scalene muscles |
| Suboccipital muscles | Rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis inferior |
| Functions | Support and stabilise head, neck and upper spine, enable movement of the head and neck, assist with chewing, swallowing, breathing and elevation of the rib cage during inhalation |
| Conditions | Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis (rotational deformity) |
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What You'll Learn
Sternocleidomastoid
The sternocleidomastoid is a key landmark in the neck, dividing it into anterior and posterior cervical triangles. It is a superficially palpable muscle that acts as an anatomical landmark within the neck region. It is one of over 20 pairs of muscles acting on the neck.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve of the same side, which supplies only motor fibres. The cervical plexus supplies sensation, including proprioception, from the ventral primary rami of C2 and C3. The clavicular origin of the sternocleidomastoid varies, and in some cases, the clavicular head may be as narrow as the sternal. The supraclavicularis muscle arises from the manubrium behind the sternocleidomastoid and passes behind it to the upper surface of the clavicle.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle is involved in head and neck extension at the atlanto-occipital joint and superior cervical spine, as well as neck flexion at the inferior cervical vertebrae. It also aids in elevating the clavicle and sternal manubrium at the sternoclavicular joint, and ipsilateral flexion and contralateral rotation of the neck at the cervical spine.
Contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle can lead to a condition called torticollis or wry neck, resulting in a tilted head appearance. This condition can be treated with physiotherapy exercises to stretch the affected muscle and strengthen the muscle on the opposite side of the neck. Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is another condition related to abnormal contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, causing a rotational deformity away from the affected side.
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Trapezius
The trapezius muscle is a large, paired trapezoid-shaped surface muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae of the spine and laterally to the spine of the scapula. It is one of the broadest and most superficial (closest to the skin) muscles of the upper back and trunk. The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium, also known as a diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word spinotrapezius refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts.
The trapezius muscle is comprised of particularly long muscle fibres spanning a large width of the upper back. This allows the trapezius to assist in mainly postural attributes, allowing and supporting the spinal column to remain erect when the person is standing. The trapezius is triangular, broad, and thin; it covers the upper back of the shoulders and neck. Its attachment points consist of the spinous process of C7-T12 of the spine, ligamentum nuchae, scapulae, clavicles, and ribs. While the trapezius muscle is mainly postural, it is also used for active movements such as side bending, rotation of the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm.
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles in your upper back. Trap muscles help you maintain your posture and move your upper back, neck and head. Your trapezius muscles are two big muscles on either side of your upper back. They help you move your head, neck and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture. Each trapezius muscle has three sections. They run from the base of your neck down to the middle of your back. The trapezius is a large muscle in your back. People commonly refer to trapezius muscles as traps or trap muscles.
The upper (superior) section, the middle section, and the lower (inferior) section are the three components of the trapezius muscle. The superior portion attaches to the skull (external occipital protuberance and superior nuchal line) and neck (ligamentum nuchae). This portion of the muscle extends the head at the neck. The middle portion attaches to the upper part of the spinous processes of C7-T12. This portion adducts (draws together) the two scapulae. The inferior portion (lower part of C7-T12) depresses the scapula. Muscular insertions are onto the scapular spine, acromion process, and the lateral third of the clavicle.
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Splenius capitis and splenius cervicis
The neck is a complex musculoskeletal system that connects the base of the skull to the torso. It is composed of about 30 muscles, which support and stabilise the head, neck and the upper part of the spine. The neck muscles also help with chewing, swallowing and breathing.
The splenius capitis and splenius cervicis are muscles that work together to rotate the neck and flex the neck, or lower the chin to the chest. They form the superficial layer of the deep (intrinsic) back muscles, covering the other deep back muscles in the cervical region of the back. The splenius capitis is a deep muscle located on the upper back, while the splenius cervicis is a smaller muscle located just below it.
The splenius cervicis is a paired back muscle found in the prevertebral space of the neck. It assists in ipsilateral cervical side flexion and rotation, and when both splenius cervicis muscles contract, they extend the cervical spine. When contracting unilaterally, the splenius cervicis causes ipsilateral lateral flexion and rotation of the neck. However, when contracting bilaterally, this muscle aids the trapezius muscle to extend the neck. The splenius cervicis is innervated by the lateral branches of the posterior rami of the lower cervical spinal nerves.
The splenius capitis starts at the midline of the spine at C3 to T3, spanning the levels between the 7th cervical vertebra to the 3rd or 4th thoracic vertebra. It is important for maintaining good posture as it helps keep the head in a neutral position.
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Longus colli
The neck muscles support the head and enable a range of movements. They also assist with chewing, swallowing, and breathing. There are about 30 neck muscles, which are skeletal muscles attached to bones by tendons. These muscles are under voluntary control and are part of a complex musculoskeletal system that connects the base of the skull to the torso.
One of these muscles is the longus colli, which is a long muscle of the neck. It is a paired muscle located on the anterior aspect of the vertebral column, spanning the entire cervical spine and the first three thoracic vertebrae. The longus colli is situated between the atlas (first cervical vertebra) and the third thoracic vertebra. It is broad in the middle and narrow and pointed at either end. The muscle consists of three parts: superior oblique, inferior oblique, and vertical. The superior oblique part originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae (C3-C5). It then ascends gradually in a superomedial direction to terminate on the anterior tubercle of the anterior arch of the atlas (C1). The vertical intermediate part arises from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the lower three cervical and superior three thoracic vertebrae (C5-T3). This section inserts onto the anterior surface of the bodies of the second, third, and fourth cervical vertebrae (C2-C4). The inferior oblique part is the smallest section of the longus colli muscle. It arises from the front of the bodies of the first two or three thoracic vertebrae and ascends obliquely in a lateral direction. This part is inserted into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.
The longus colli muscle is responsible for forward and lateral flexion of the neck, as well as rotation of the neck. It also has a postural function on cervical curvature, counteracting the lordosis increment related to the weight of the head and the contraction of the posterior cervical muscles. Impaired strength and endurance of this muscle have been associated with cervicogenic headaches. Acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli can occur, presenting with acute neck pain, stiffness, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment for this condition is supportive, often involving the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Platysma
The platysma muscle, or simply platysma, is a superficial muscle in the human neck that overlaps the sternocleidomastoid. It covers the anterior and lateral aspects of the neck. The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle that lies within the subcutaneous tissue of the neck. It is situated in the superficial cervical fascia, which is a zone of loose connective tissue between the dermis and deep cervical fascia.
The platysma originates from the fascia that covers the clavicle, the acromial region, and the superior portions of the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles. Its fibres ascend superomedially over the anterolateral aspect of the neck, crossing the clavicle and proceeding obliquely upward and medially along the side of the neck. The platysma's fibres thin out anteriorly and attach just behind the symphysis menti. On the lateral side, the muscle fibres pass over the mandible, with some fibres inserting into the bone, while others merge with the subcutaneous tissues.
The platysma is supplied by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It receives arterial blood supply from the submental branch of the facial artery and the suprascapular branch of the thyrocervical trunk. The platysma is vulnerable to tears, strains, and muscle atrophy, among other possible conditions. When the entire platysma muscle is in action, it produces a slight wrinkling of the surface of the skin of the neck in an oblique direction, creating a distinctive bowstring effect on either side of the neck. The anterior portion of the platysma muscle, the thickest part, depresses the lower jaw and draws down the lower lip and angle of the mouth in a frown.
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Frequently asked questions
Neck muscles are skeletal muscles that are attached to bones by tendons. They support your head and help you perform a range of movements. They also assist with chewing, swallowing, and breathing.
There are about 30 neck muscles, extending from the base of the skull and jaw down to the shoulder blades and collarbone.
The neck muscles can be divided into four main groups based on their position in the neck: anterior, lateral, and posterior. They can be further divided into more specific groups based on depth, location, and function.
The suboccipital muscles, located in the upper cervical spine, rotate the head and extend the neck. The sternocleidomastoid muscle also enables the rotation of the neck.
