Neck muscles

The neck is an anatomical region where vital structures are concentrated in a minimal space: the larynx, trachea, esophagus, carotid arteries, jugular veins, thyroid gland and spinal cord. Neck muscles organize head movements and are involved in swallowing, breathing and speech.

Superficial muscles

Subcutaneous muscle of the neck (platysma) is a thin plate located just under the skin. She tightens the skin of the neck, pulls the corner of the mouth down (an expression of disgust) and participates in facial expressions. With age, the tone of the platysma decreases, forming vertical cords in the neck.

The sternocleidomastoid muscle (m. sternocleidomastoideus, or SCM) is the most prominent muscle in the neck. It begins with two legs from the sternum and clavicle, and attaches to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. With unilateral contraction, he tilts his head to his side and turns his face in the opposite direction. If it is bilateral, it bends the neck forward.

SCM spasm is a common cause of torticollis. In newborns, muscular torticollis may be congenital and requires early treatment.

Suprahyoid muscles

Four muscles form the floor of the mouth and elevate the hyoid bone during swallowing:

• Mylohyoid (mylohyoid) - forms the diaphragm of the mouth
• Geniohyoid (geniohyoid)
• Digastric - has an anterior and posterior abdomen
• Stylohyoid (stylohyoid)

Sublingual muscles

Four muscles lower the hyoid bone and stabilize it during swallowing and speech: the sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid and omohyoid.

Deep neck muscles

The deep muscles are divided into lateral group (scalene muscles) and medial group (prevertebral muscles).

The scalene muscles (anterior, middle and posterior) tilt the neck to the side and raise the 1st–2nd ribs with a deep breath. Between the anterior and middle scalene muscles are the brachial plexus and subclavian artery - compression of these structures (scalene muscle syndrome) causes pain, numbness and weakness in the arm.

Neck triangles

The neck muscles form topographic triangles - areas along which surgeons navigate during operations. The SCM divides the lateral surface of the neck into anterior and posterior triangles, each of which contains specific vessels, nerves and organs.

The most convenient way to study the location of the neck muscles and their relationship to the neurovascular bundles is 3D models in Humio - rotate, zoom in and disassemble each structure layer by layer.