Muscles of the Neck that Move the Head

Question 1

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer 1

O- Sternal head: top of manubrium
clavicular head: medial 1/3 of clavicle

I- Mastoid process of temporal bone and the lateral portion of superior nuchal line of occiput

A- Unilaterally: laterally flexed the head and neck to the same side
Rotate the head and neck to the opposite side
Bilaterally: flex the neck
Assist to elevate the rib cage during inhalation

N- Spinal accessory [XI], C2, 3

Question 2

Semispinalis capitis

Answer 2

O- Transverse processes of C-4 to T5

I- Between the superior and inferior nuchal lines of occiput

A-Extend the vertebral column and head

N-Cervical

Question 3

Splenius capitis

Answer 3

O-Inferior 1/2 of ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7 to T4

I- Mastoid process and lateral portion of superior nuchal line

A- Unilaterally: rotate the head and neck to the same side
Laterally flexed that neck
Bilaterally: Extend the head and neck

N-Cervical

Question 4

Longissimus capitis

Answer 4

O- TVPs of upper five thoracic vertebrae

I- Mastoid process of the temporal bone

A- Unilaterally: laterally flexed vertebral column to the same side
Bilaterally: extend the vertebral column

N- Spinal

Question 5

Spinalis capitis

Answer 5

O- often absent or a very small; arises with semispinalis capitis

I- occipital bone

A-extends head and vertebral column

N- Cervical