Rectus Capitis Anterior Muscle What is Rectus Capitis Anterior Muscle? Rectus capitis anterior muscle is 1 of the deeper neck muscles whose primary function is to flex the head on the neck at the atlantooccipital joint. This short strap muscle relates to the group of anterior vertebral muscles combined with the longus colli, longus capitis & the rectus capitis lateralis muscles. The anterior or the lateral neck…
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle What is Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle? Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle is a coupled or paired muscle situated in the suboccipital compartment or area of the neck. It is the portion of the suboccipital muscle group which comprises 4 muscles in total, the other 3 being rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis inferior or the obliquus capitis superior….
Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle What is Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle? Obliquus capitis superior, or superior oblique, is a tiny coupled/paired muscle situated deeper in the upper cervical region, at the base of the occipital bone. It is 1 of the 4 muscles that comprise the suboccipital muscles group together with the rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, or the obliquus capitis…
What is the Semispinalis muscle? The semispinalis muscle relates to the transversospinalis muscles. The transversospinalis muscle group is a very deeper layer of muscles situated on either side of the spine. The semispinalis muscle is: The most superficial/upper layer of this muscle part. The bigger muscle mass is in the posterior part of the neck. It is responsible for…
What is Splenius Muscle? The splenius muscles of the head or the splenius muscle of the neck work combined so that the neck or the head can extend (tilt backward) or rotate. The splenius muscle of the head also called the splenius capitis, is a bigger muscle situated at the back of the neck. It is joined…
What is Trapezius Muscle? The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle situated on the posterior aspect of the neck & thorax. When viewed combined, these pairs create a diamond or trapezoid shape, what its name says. The trapezius has many joining points, extending from the skull & vertebral column to the shoulder joint girdle. The trapezius relates to the superficial layer of the extrinsic muscles of…
What is Scalene Muscle? The scalene muscle are the 3 muscles situated on each side of the neck, spanning between the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae & the upper 2 ribs. Namely, these muscles are the scalenus anterior (anterior scalene), scalenus medius (middle scalene), & scalenus posterior (posterior scalene). They are all relates to the lateral vertebral muscle group. The…
What is Subclavius Muscle? The subclavius muscle is a short, triangular muscle of the thoracic wall that locates beneath the clavicle. It begins from the 1st rib & courses laterally to ends on the undersurface of the middle 3rd of the clavicle. The primary function of the subclavius is to hold the clavicle during motions of the shoulder girdle. In addition, it…
What is Platysma Muscle? The platysma is a thin sheet-like muscle that is situated superficially within the anterior aspect of the neck. It begins in the upper thoracic & shoulder regions from a fascia that covers the pectoralis major & deltoid muscles. Its fibers ascend upper medially over the anterolateral aspect of the neck, to join to the mandible & the skin & subcutaneous tissue of the lower face. Unlike…
What are Infrahyoid Muscles? Infrahyoid muscles are also termed “strap muscles” which connect the hyoid, sternum, clavicle, & scapula. They are situated under the hyoid bone on the anterolateral surface of the thyroid gland & are involved in motions of the hyoid bone & thyroid cartilage during vocalization, swallowing, & mastication. They are composed of 4 paired muscles, organized into 2 layers as follows:…
