Sternocleidomastoid

The sternocleidomastoid muscle, also known as sternomastoid and commonly abbreviated as SCM, is a paired muscle in the superficial layers of the anterior portion of the neck.

The sternocleidomastoid passes across the side of the neck and is thick and narrow at its central part, but broader and thinner at either end.

Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle has two heads:

• The medial or sternal head. - It is a rounded fasciculus, tendinous in front, fleshy behind muscle. It arises from the upper part of the anterior surface of the manubrium sterni, and is directed superiorly, laterally, and posteriorly.
• The lateral or clavicular head. - composed of fleshy and aponeurotic fibers. It arises from the superior border and anterior surface of the medial third of the clavicle and is directed almost vertically upward.

The sternal and clavicular heads are separated from one another at their origins by a triangular interval, but gradually blend, below the middle of the neck, into a thick, rounded muscle. This muscle is inserted, by a strong tendon, into the lateral surface of the mastoid process, from its apex to its superior border, and by a thin aponeurosis into the lateral half of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

Functions of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

The Sternocleidomastoid Muscle functions by enabling one to flex and rotate the head.

Acting alone, the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle tilts the head to its own side and rotates it so the face is turned towards the opposite side.

Acting together, it flexes the neck, raises the sternum and assists in forced inspiration.

Exercises for the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

Like any other neck muscle, Miracles for Men discourages the use of weights when training this muscle. This is because injury to the neck can reduce mobility and also lead to more serious complications.

Easy exercises like resistance to forward and backward movement to the neck are good enough. Just use your hands as the source of resistance.

Bookmark this:

Bookmark this page