Dominic Stone
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that support the skull and allow for movement. There are about 30 neck muscles that extend from the skull and jaw down to the shoulder blades and collarbone. These muscles help stabilize the head and neck and allow for a wide range of movements, including chewing, swallowing, breathing, and rotating the head. The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, in particular, is a powerful neck muscle that allows for bending, turning, and tilting the head. Other muscles involved in head rotation include the splenius, levator scapulae, and trapezius muscles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of neck muscles | 30 |
| Location of neck muscles | Front, sides, and back of the neck |
| Functions of neck muscles | Support and stabilise the head, neck, and upper spine; enable head movement in different directions; assist with chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speech |
| Muscles involved in turning the head | Sternocleidomastoid (SCM), Splenius, Levator scapulae, Trapezius |
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What You'll Learn
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle is a two-headed neck muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head. It is the largest muscle in the front of your neck and is closely related to certain neurovascular structures that pass through the neck towards the head or the periphery of the body. The SCM muscle can be easily felt on both the right and left sides of the neck.
The SCM muscle bears attachments to the manubrium of the sternum (sterno-), the clavicle (-cleido-), and the mastoid process of the temporal bone (-mastoid). The two heads join into one muscle belly that goes on to insert on 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 SCM muscle ends at the mastoid process, which is a section of bone located at the base of the skull behind the ears.
The SCM muscle helps to stabilise the neck and is involved in various movements of the head and neck. It activates when you turn your head to face left or right, tilt your head toward either shoulder, tilt your head backward, or forward. The SCM muscle also works with other neck muscles to lift your breastbone and collarbone during inhalation. Additionally, it supports the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows you to open and close your mouth.
Injuries, tension, sprains, strains, atrophy, and tumours can damage the SCM muscle. Conditions such as sternocleidomastoid syndrome, torticollis, and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the neck and head. Treatment options for SCM-related issues include hot and cold therapy, stretching, physical therapy, osteopathic manipulation, and surgery in severe cases. Maintaining good posture and managing stress can also help care for the SCM muscle.
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Splenius muscles
The splenius muscles are a group of deep muscles that run from the midline of the back and neck laterally and superiorly to their insertions. They are responsible for extending and rotating the head and neck. These muscles are divided into two types: the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis.
The splenius capitis muscle is a deep muscle of the back and neck. It originates from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the third or fourth thoracic vertebra (T3 or T4). The muscle fibres run superiorly and laterally, inserting into the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the occipital bone of the skull. The mastoid process is a pyramidal-shaped eminence on the base of the skull, and the occipital bone is located at the back of the skull. The splenius capitis acts as an extensor and lateral flexor of the neck and assists with its rotation. It also forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck.
The splenius cervicis muscle is the other type of splenius muscle. It is located in the cervical region and helps to extend and rotate the head and neck. The specific origin and insertion points of the splenius cervicis are not as clearly described in the available sources as those of the splenius capitis. However, it is known that these muscles work together to facilitate head and neck movements.
The splenius muscles are important for maintaining proper neck movement and posture. They work in conjunction with other neck and shoulder muscles, such as the levator scapulae, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid, to enable a full range of motion. The neck is a complex structure that connects the head to the torso, and it houses many vital structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatics. Proper neck movement is crucial for survival, as most sensory inputs occur at the head.
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Levator scapulae and trapezius muscles
The head is placed on top of the cervical spine, which is the bony part of the neck. The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. It supports the skull while allowing for movement. The neck's flexibility enables large movements, such as turning the head.
The levator scapulae and trapezius muscles are both neck and shoulder muscles. They work together to lift the shoulder. The levator scapulae is a deep muscle responsible for the posture "shoulder up and forward." It works with the splenius to turn the head to the same side. For example, the left levator scapulae and the left splenius work together to rotate the head to the left.
The trapezius is a superficial muscle that can contribute to the rotation of the head to the opposite side. It works together with the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. The right trapezius and the right SCM, for instance, work together to rotate the head to the left.
These muscles are frequent targets for Botulinum toxin injections to control the dystonic rotation of the head. The levator scapulae is prone to stiffening and chronic pain due to poor posture.
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Lateral neck muscles
The neck is a complex structure of bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, and other connective tissues. The muscles of the neck are divided into four main groups: anterior, lateral, posterior, and suboccipital.
The lateral neck muscles, also known as the lateral vertebral muscles, are a group of muscles that pass obliquely along the lateral sides of the neck. They include the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles, which extend between the cervical vertebrae's transverse processes and the upper two ribs. Due to their attachments, these muscles primarily produce ipsilateral flexion of the neck. Ipsilateral flexion occurs when the head is turned to one side, with the neck bending toward the same side.
The anterior scalene muscle is the most anterior of the scalene muscles. It arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6 and inserts onto the scalene tubercle and the superior border of the first rib. The anterior scalene muscle is innervated by the anterior rami of the spinal nerves C4-C6 and vascularized by the ascending cervical branch of the inferior thyroid artery.
The middle scalene muscles originate from the transverse processes of vertebrae C2-C6 and attach to the first rib. The posterior scalene muscles also originate from the cervical spine but attach to the second rib. Together, the scalenes flex the neck and can assist in respiration.
In addition to the scalene muscles, other lateral neck muscles include the levator scapulae and trapezius, which are both neck and shoulder muscles. The levator scapulae is a deep muscle responsible for the posture "shoulder up and forward." It works with the splenius muscle to turn the head to the same side. The trapezius is a superficial muscle that can contribute to the rotation of the head to the opposite side, working together with the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.
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Suboccipital muscles
The suboccipital muscles are a group of four muscles located in the posterior region of the neck, underneath the occipital bone. These muscles are the rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis superior, and obliquus capitis inferior. The suboccipital muscles are responsible for maintaining posture and facilitating movements of the head, including extension, lateral flexion, and rotation.
The rectus capitis posterior major is the larger of the two rectus capitis muscles. It originates from the spinous process of the C2 vertebra and attaches to the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. This muscle is involved in extending and rotating the head to the ipsilateral side.
The rectus capitis posterior minor is the most medial of the suboccipital muscles. It originates from the posterior tubercle of the C1 vertebra and attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. This muscle also contributes to extending and rotating the head to the ipsilateral side.
The obliquus capitis superior is located laterally in the suboccipital compartment. It originates from the transverse process of the C1 vertebra and attaches to the occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines. This muscle helps in extending the head.
The obliquus capitis inferior is the most inferiorly positioned of the suboccipital muscles, and it is the only one that does not attach to the cranium. It originates from the posterior tubercle of the C2 vertebra and inserts into the transverse process of the C1 vertebra. The obliquus capitis inferior contributes to rotating the head to the ipsilateral side.
The suboccipital muscles work together with other neck muscles to enable a full range of motion for the head. They are also clinically important due to their proximity to the vertebral artery and their role in surgical access to the posterior cranial fossa.
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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 bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues. There are about 30 neck muscles that support and stabilize the head, neck, and upper spine.
Neck muscles can be categorized into anterior, lateral, and posterior neck muscles. Anterior neck muscles, such as the scalenes, help rotate the neck and pull the head back. Lateral neck muscles control head movements from the base of the skull and help twist and tilt the cervical spine. Posterior neck muscles include the splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, semispinalis capitis, and semispinalis cervicis, which help stabilize the neck and bend it backward.
Neck muscles support and stabilize the neck and head, allowing for a range of movements. They help with chewing, swallowing, breathing, and making facial expressions. Neck muscles also play a crucial role in maintaining balance and protecting vital neurovascular structures.
Neck muscle soreness can be relieved through gentle stretching to improve flexibility and reduce tension. Applying heat increases blood flow to the muscles, helping to relieve tightness and improve range of motion. Massage can also help relieve tension and tightness in the neck muscles. Maintaining good posture and supporting the head and neck during sleep are important for preventing neck soreness.
