Human Anatomy - Zynoviy Mirchuk, Maryna Mirchuk 2007

Muscles of the Body Parts
Muscles of the Neck

Among the Muscles of the neck (Figs. 33 and 34), which number about 17, the largest is the sternocleidomastoid Muscle. It belongs to the SUPERFICIAL MUSCLES OF the neck, originating in two parts from the anterior surface of the manubrium of the Sternum and the sternal end of the clavicle, and inserting into the mastoid process of the Temporal bone. Bilateral contraction of the muscle tilts the HEAD backward, while unilateral contraction tilts it to the side.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle lies deep to the platysma and stands out as a prominent ridge on the anterolateral surface of the neck. It serves as an anatomical landmark for locating the main neurovascular bundle of the neck, for instance, to stop bleeding or administer nerve blocks in various traumatic injuries accompanied by a severe general condition (such as Shock).

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Fig. 33. Muscles of the neck:

1 - deltoid muscle; 2 - trapezius muscle of the back; 3 - sternocleidomastoid muscle; 4 - omohyoid long muscle;

5 - levator scapulae muscle; 6 - hyoid muscle; 7 - middle scalene muscle; 8 - anterior scalene muscle; 9 - suprahyoid muscles.

Fig. 34. Muscles of the neck (posterior view):

1 - semispinalis muscle; 2 - deltoid muscle; 3 - sternocleidomastoid muscle; 4 - trapezius muscle of the back; 8 - levator scapulae muscle

Small, short, and thin Neck Muscles are involved in mastication and swallowing. A distinction is made between muscles located inferior to the Hyoid bone, known as the Infrahyoid muscles, and those located superior to the hyoid bone, known as the suprahyoid muscles. Some of these form the floor of the Oral Cavity.

The Deep Muscles of the Neck include the scalene muscles (anterior, middle, posterior), the long muscles of the neck and head, and the straight muscles of the head (anterior, lateral).