OCT 720: Week 4: Head & Torso Part III

Jul 31, 2024

Lecture Notes: Neck Muscles

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

  • Description: Largest muscle around the neck, present in pairs.
  • Function:
    • Bilaterally: Extends the head at the cervical spine (C-spine).
    • Unilaterally: Turns the head to the opposite side of the muscle contracting.
  • Example: If a person turns their head to the right, the left SCM contracts.

Deep Cervical Flexors

  • Longus Colli:
    • Function: Works with SCM to prevent hyperextension of the neck, holds the head in position.
    • Movement: Tucks the chin (retraction of the neck).
    • Importance: Critical for children with cerebral palsy who may struggle with swallowing and maintaining a stable head position.

Neck Extensors

  • Muscles: Spinalis Capitis, Splenius Cervicis
  • Function:
    • Bilaterally: Extends the neck.
    • Unilaterally: Rotates or bends the neck to the same side.

Key Points

  • Coordination of different neck muscles is crucial for head movements and stability.
  • Issues with these muscles can lead to significant challenges, especially in individuals with certain conditions like cerebral palsy.