Getting Familiar With Neck Muscle AnatomyCredit: http://education.yahoo.com/reference/gray/subjects/subject/111
The neck muscle anatomy is worth studying because of its function and the role it plays in our body. For the past centuries, there were many studies and researches that had been conducted to understand the human body. We are now blessed because of the immense body of knowledge accumulated pertaining to the anatomy of the neck muscles. It is therefore a must for us to explore more about this subject.
Overview of the Neck Muscle Anatomy
The neck is a broad term to describe the part of our body that directly supports the head. The neck muscle anatomy is composed of many structures, tissues, and nerves, and other anatomical body parts. But for this sake of discussion, we will just focus on the musculoskeletal system.
Muscles of the Neck and their Description
- Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Infrahyoid_muscles.pngInfrahyoids – aids in pulling down the thyroid cartilage and hyoid bone; located near the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage.
- Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suprahyoid_muscles.pngSuprahyoids – aids in elevating the tongue and hyoid bone; depresses the mandibular bone. It Functions during swallowing, chewing, and talking; located near the hyoid bone.
- Credit: http://healthy-back.livejournal.com/24805.htmlSplenius cervicis – rotates and extends the neck; located near the transverse processes between C1-C4.
- Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Musculus_splenius_capitis_marked.pngSplenius capitis – rotates and extends the neck; located between the superior nuchal of occiput and the temporal bone’s mastoid process.
- Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LongissimusLongissumus capitis – flexion of the head; located at the inferior part of the occipital bone.
- Credit: http://www.deeptissue.com/learn/neck/scalene.htmScalenes (anterior, posterior, medius) – aids in respiration by elevating ribs during inhalation; flexes and rotates the neck. Delicate because of the subclavian artery and brachial plexus run through the anterior and middle scalene. The anterior and middle scalenes are located at the first rib while the posterior scalene is at the second rib.
- Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Platysma.pngPlatysma – depresses the mandibular bone and the lower lips; located at the inferior part of the face and at the edge of the mandibular bone.
- Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Musculi_coli_sternocleidomastoideus.svgSternocleidomastoid – flexion and rotation of the head and neck; located at the mastoid processes of the temporal bone.
Functions of the Neck Muscle AnatomyCredit: http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/neck-superficial-muscles
The primary functions of the neck muscle anatomy are to support the head and to allow movement. The motion of the neck could be side-to-side, lateral flexion, flexion, and hyperextension. There are many muscles of the neck but all of them work together to efficiently control, coordinate, and support the movement of the neck.
Summary of the Neck Muscles
The message is clear; we cannot live without neck muscles. It is only therefore important that we understand and take care of our necks. Though there are many types of neck muscles, all of them work in a synergistic manner to come up with an efficient performance. The functions of the neck muscle anatomy are now better understood because of years and years of study and research of our founding fathers in the field of biology.
This article has given you the basic information that you need to know about the neck muscles. The neck muscle anatomy, as well as its physiology, is truly an amazing mechanism of the body.