The sternocleidomastoid is a tough muscle crossing the side of the neck that tilts the head forward in addition to tilting and rotating the head to either side. Viewed from the front, imagine the SCM muscle as a short, untied scarf that hugs both sides of your neck. Deepen the pose by straightening your legs. The nerve supply of a muscle provides the muscle with electrical messages from the brain, causing these muscles to contract and move. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is generally considered to have nerve supply from the accessory nerve. On either side, the SCM diagonally divides the neck musculature into anterior (front) and posterior (back) triangles. This lesson will provide great information about the nerve supply and trigger points of this important muscle. The ACH causes the resting potential to increase above -55mV, thus initiating an action potential which travels along the muscle fiber. CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE. However, the innervation pattern to the SCM is not so simple and it also receives fibers from the C2 and C3 anterior branches, as studied by Caliot et al. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger, 1918; Bartleby.com, 2000, T Hasan. The sternocleidomastoid muscle flexes the neck and helps with movement of the head. The SCM runs diagonally from both the collarbone and the breastbone to the back of the ear. Kim, S. J., & Lee, J. H. (2018). It is commonly abbreviated as SCM. Effects of sternocleidomastoid muscle and suboccipital muscle soft tissue release on muscle hardness and pressure pain of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and upper trapezius muscle in smartphone users with latent trigger points [Abstract]. The SCM muscle borders two neck regions known as triangles. | site designed & development in partnership with four eyes & wildheart media. For this muscle, proprioception involves becoming aware of pain and transmitting signals to the brain. Variations Of The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: A Literature Review. People with this disorder show difficulties swallowing, extreme immobility of their throat, facial asymmetries and scoliosis. Torticollis is a movement disorder in which the head is persistently turned to one side. Conditions that involve your SCM include: You may feel a dull or sharp pain within your SCM muscle. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. For more daily stretches, heres one routine you can try. Biology The sternocleidomastoid muscle inserts on the ________. The sternocleidomastoid muscle variations: a mini literature review Folia Morphol (Warsz). In this case it refers to a large bony protuberance just behind the ear, called the mastoid process. Kendall, Florence Peterson, McCreary, Elizabeth Kendall, and Provance, Patricia Geise. In the case of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI). By working to keep good posture and gently stretch and strengthen the SCM and other muscles around your neck, you can experience improvement of symptoms associated with the SCN. The trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles are often the target of anatomical variations, including supernumerary insertion heads. Whats Causing My Groin Lump, and How Do I Treat It? After a signal reaches the accessory nerve nucleus in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, the signal is conveyed to motor endplates on the muscle fibers located at the clavicle. 4. Insertion They insert on the mastoid process, which is a large bony protuberance behind the ear. SCM pain can have a number of causes that are often related to some type of muscle tension. Bordoni B, et al. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. Two nerves serve the sternocleidomastoid muscle. If the head is fixed, it elevates the sternum and clavicle and, thus, expands the thoracic cavity (inspiratory breathing muscle). Sternocleidomastoid muscle | Radiology Reference Article - Radiopaedia.org Synergist muscles help other muscles perform one or more functions. Every muscle in the human body has a nerve supply. The muscle lies very superficially so that it is both easily visible and palpable. The occurrence of such a variation can be explained by fusion failure or abnormal mesodermal splitting during development. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36308294/). It extends from the sternum and clavicle to the base of the skull. Although it can be unpleasant, it usually isn't a reason to worry. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 28 Jun 2023) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/13075, {"containerId":"expandableQuestionsContainer","displayRelatedArticles":true,"displayNextQuestion":true,"displaySkipQuestion":true,"articleId":13075,"questionManager":null,"mcqUrl":"https://radiopaedia.org/articles/sternocleidomastoid-muscle/questions/1374?lang=us"}, see full revision history and disclosures, superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue, inferior longitudinal muscle of the tongue, levator labii superioris alaeque nasalis muscle, superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia, ostiomeatal narrowing due to variant anatomy, sternal head (round and tendinous): upper part of anterior surface of manubrium of, clavicular head (thin and broader fleshy): upper surface of medial third of, sternal head passes over the sternoclavicular joint and joins the clavicular head halfway up the neck, common muscle belly then courses posterolaterally to its insertion, lateral half of the superior nuchal line of the, the nerve descends and enters the muscle from its deep surface, when acting unilaterally:lateral flexion of neck to same side,rotates head to opposite side, when acting bilaterally:flexes neck,draws head ventrally and elevates chin, draws sternum superiorly in deep inspiration, absent mastoid insertion (occipital insertion only), separate muscle bellies for sternomastoid and cleidomastoid, separate muscle bellies for cleido-occipital and sternocleidomastoid, doubles or quadrupled unilaterally or bilaterally. Injuries and tension within your SCM can lead to pain and stiffness. Physiopedia articles are best used to find the original sources of information (see the references list at the bottom of the article). You can care for your SCM by managing stress and maintaining good posture. [medical citation needed]. The sternocleidomastoid muscles work bilaterally (meaning both sides together) to flex the neck. Tilt your head toward your right or left shoulder. It travels obliquely across the side of the neck and inserts at the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull by a thin aponeurosis. (Caliot, Bousquet, Midy, & Cabanie, 1989; Caliot, Cabani, Bousquet, & Midy, 1984 ). Anatomy Chapter 10 Flashcards | Quizlet New York. Muscles Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. Turn your gaze to look up toward your right thumb. I feel like its a lifeline. in Exercise Physiology from Furman University and a M.S. When acting together it flexes the neck and extends the head. The sternocleidomastoid muscles originate on the manubrium of the sternum, which is a small handle-like bony area of the breastbone, and on the medial clavicle (collarbone). The primary actions of the muscle are rotation of the head to the opposite side and flexion of the neck. The scalenes are synergist (helper) muscles to the SCM. Reading time: 5 minutes. This muscle helps the neck to turn to the side, flex to the side, and bend forward. Treatments include stretching, physical therapy and osteopathic manipulation. Its narrow and thicker in the middle where the sternal and clavicular heads merge. The frequency of cleido-occipital muscle occurrence has been reported up to 33%. Missaghi, B. The name has the origin of the Latin words: sternon = chest; cleido = clavicle and the Greek words: mastos = breast and eidos = shape, form. For example, when you rotate or turn your head to the right, your left SCM is contracting. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver. There are slight differences in structure between the sternal and clavicular heads of the SCM muscle: As with any muscle, injuries, sprains, strains, atrophy (wasting away) and tumors can damage your SCM muscle. You may have some of the following symptoms: Set aside at least 15 minutes per day to do some type of simple stretches or yoga poses. McGraw-Hill Companies. Or maybe you have sat at a desk for a very long time with your neck hunched over, and at the end of the day your neck developed large knots or spots of tightness? This muscle functions to bend the neck forward, backward, and sideways as well as turn the neck to each side. a 1, 2, 3, 4 b 1, 2, 4 c 1, 3 d 3, 4 D 2. English Edition. The muscle is wider and thinner where it starts and ends. Missaghi B. The Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle. At the time the article was created Vijay had no recorded disclosures. Exhale as you slowly tilt your right ear down toward your shoulder. 2023 You could put all that together to get a muscle that attaches onto the sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process. You can care for your SCM by managing stress and maintaining good posture. The sternocleidomastoid muscle originates from two locations: the manubrium of the sternum and the clavicle. This muscle binds the skull to the sternum and clavicle. Learn Muscle Anatomy: Sternocleidomastoid - Visible Body This muscle binds the skull to the sternum and clavicle. What is the function of the sternocleidomastoid muscles? The depressor labii inferioris muscle is a four-sided facial muscle located in the jaw area that draws the lower lip down and to the side. Slowly hinge at your hips to fold forward, stopping when your torso is parallel to the floor. The second part of the word, cleido, means clavicle, which is the collarbone. In addition, evidence from electrophysiological studies shows that the SCM acts in . The two heads join into one muscle belly that goes on to insert on the lateral surface of themastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral half of thesuperior nuchal line of the occipital bone. The last part of the word, mastoid, comes from the Greek word mastos which means breast-shaped. In addition to the movements initiated by the sternocleidomastoid muscles, they also serve an important function in stabilizing the neck. In this case, it lifts up the breastbone and the area of the collarbones that are nearest to the midline of the body. 4. attaches a muscle to a bone or skin. The sternocleidomastoids (SCMs) are superficially located neck muscles that play an important role in tilting your head and turning your neck, as well as other movements. Keep reading to learn more about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of sternocleidomastoid pain. zygomatic sternocleidomastoid digastric mylohyoid all of the above 11 Loving to another question will save this response Type here to search This problem has been solved! Feel pain across your back? Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: Origin, Insertion & Action Due to its important role in supporting the head, any issues that affect posture and head position can irritate this muscle. Lasts Anatomy Regional and Applied. Sternocleidomastoid muscle,along with the trapezius muscle,is invested by the superficial layer of the deep cervical fascia, which splits around it. Oxygenated blood arrives at the muscle via the occipital artery in the head and superior thyroid artery in the neck. Many important structures relate to the sternocleidomastoid, including the common carotid artery, accessory nerve, and brachial plexus. All rights reserved. You might also use alternative therapies such as chiropractic acupuncture. Sternocleidomastoid Muscle: Anatomy and Function - Verywell Health Wry neck (torticollis) is a tilted and twisted neck that can be congenital or result from muscle injury, swollen lymph nodes, ear infection, or other, A groin lump refers to any lump that appears where your legs and trunk connect. Can pain on the right side of the neck be a sign of something serious? One side can contract, or both sides can contract. Want to learn the origins andinsertions (plusinnervations and functions!) The sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) help with functions such as head rotation, head tilt, pointing the chin toward the breastbone, and more. Achudhan Karunaharamoorthy, Arzt This may help relieve swelling, relax muscles, and reduce pain. The inner part of the SCM muscle bounds part of the anterior triangle. The muscle extends down the length of the neck and ends where the collarbone and breastbone connect. yoganatomy.com 2002 - 2021. The muscle is closely related to certain neurovascular structures that cross through the neck on their way, while to the head or to the periphery of the body. A bilateral contraction elevates the head by dorsally extending the upper cervical joints. Also, the muscle works with the scalene muscles in the neck during forced inspiration while . The SCN can produce several different neck movements. Sternocleidomastoid Muscle | Action, Origin, Insertion & Location When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. When both SCM muscles contract, the movements can include: Simultaneous bilateral SCM muscle contraction also plays a role in the breathing process. The sternocleidomastoid muscle inserts on the ________. Treatment involves physiotherapy exercises to stretch the involved muscle and strengthen the muscle on the opposite side of the neck.