15.9
Muscles that Move the Head
The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, includin…
Multiple neck muscles help to balance the head and facilitate its movement at the atlanto-occipital joint.
For example, the bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, is a major head flexor along with the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.
Its bellies originate at the sternum and clavicle and insert into the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
When the SCM contracts bilaterally, it helps to bend the head forward. In contrast, unilateral contraction facilitates lateral flexion on the same side or head rotation to the opposite side.
The lateral neck muscles — the anterior, middle, and posterior scalenes — run diagonally along the vertebral column.
They connect the cervical vertebrae to the upper two ribs and also facilitate lateral flexion.
The splenius capitis, a posterior neck muscle, originates from the nuchal ligament and the C7 to T3 spinous processes and inserts onto the occipital and temporal bones.
When contracted bilaterally, it aids head extension, whereas unilateral contraction assists lateral flexion and rotation to the same side.
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Q1: What is the sternocleidomastoid muscle and what movements does it control?
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a major head flexor originating at the sternum and clavicle and inserting into the mastoid process of the temporal bone. Bilateral contraction bends the head forward, while unilateral contraction causes lateral flexion on the same side or head rotation to the opposite side.
Q2: How do the scalene muscles contribute to head and neck movement?
The anterior, middle, and posterior scalenes run diagonally along the vertebral column, connecting cervical vertebrae to the upper two ribs. These lateral neck muscles facilitate lateral flexion and work with other structures to support diverse head movements, stabilization, and coordinated neck function.
Q3: What is the role of the splenius capitis in head movement?
The splenius capitis originates from the nuchal ligament and C7 to T3 spinous processes, inserting onto the occipital and temporal bones. Bilateral contraction aids head extension, whereas unilateral contraction assists lateral flexion and rotation to the same side, enabling diverse directional movements.
Q4: What are the three layers of posterior neck muscles and their functions?
The superficial layer includes the trapezius and splenius muscles, controlling shoulder and head extension. The middle layer contains cervical transversospinalis muscles like semispinalis capitis, extending and rotating the head. The deepest layer includes suboccipital muscles providing fine motor control and proprioception for precise head positioning.
Q5: How do suboccipital muscles differ from other neck muscles in function?
Suboccipital muscles, located just below the occipital bone, are crucial for fine motor control and proprioception—the sense of self-movement and body position. Unlike larger neck muscles that produce major movements, suboccipitals make minor adjustments to head position and coordinate spatial awareness during complex head movements.
Q6: What is the relationship between the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles and head movement?
The suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors that work alongside the sternocleidomastoid to facilitate forward head bending. These muscles support muscle coordination and action by stabilizing the hyoid bone and enabling smooth, controlled flexion movements of the head.
Q7: How do bilateral versus unilateral muscle contractions produce different head movements?
Bilateral contraction of muscles like the SCM or splenius capitis produces forward extension or head bending. Unilateral contraction of the same muscles causes lateral flexion toward the contracting side or rotation to the opposite side, allowing precise directional control of head position.