To deepen this stretch, use your hand to apply gentle pressure to your head. If it’s comfortable, stretch the SCM muscle by gently lifting your chin while in the stretch. Scalene stretch C2, the axis, articulates superiorly with C1 via a unique bony structure called the dens or odontoid process. The dens projects up from the vertebral body and articulates with the atlas. The dens permits pivoting motion and allows a greater range of motion in rotating the head laterally. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve (CN XI) and anterior rami of spinal nerves C2 and C3. Vascular supply to this muscle is derived from branches of the occipital, posterior auricular, superior thyroid and suprascapular artery.

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines. The nucleus pulposus can herniate through the annulus fibrosus and compress the adjacent nerve root. There are eight cervical nerves and seven cervical vertebrae. Nerve C1 passes above the C1 vertebra. Inferior to C1, the nucleus compresses the nerve one segment lower than the vertebra. Thus, the disc at C8-T1 will compress the T1 nerve root. The digastric muscle has dual innervation. The anterior belly is innervated by the nerve to mylohyoid, a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, while the posterior belly receives innervation from the digastric branch of the facial nerve. The blood supply for the digastric muscle is derived from the submental branch of the facial artery, and posterior auricular and occipital arteries.

Lateral neck (vertebral) muscles

The cervical spine is composed of seven vertebrae. Cervical vertebrae C1 and C2 are known as "atypical" vertebrae due to the presence of unique bony structures designed to support and move the skull. While the cervical spine can undergo flexion, extension, rotation, and side-bending, each individual cervical joint has a primary motion.

Lee S, et al. (2017). Effects of the cervical flexion angle during smartphone use on muscle fatigue and pain in the cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius in normal adults in their 20s. How does a ship apprentice become a Captain? 🧭 I will design your very own nautical chart to sail the ocean The vertebrae are formed from the sclerotomal portion of the somites (soma is Greek for "body"). The 42 pairs of somites are composed of the paraxial mesoderm of the embryo. [4]Sclerotomes, myotomes, symetotomes, and dermatomes are all subdivisions of somites. Somites give rise to the muscles, the vertebral column, and dermatomes (the sensory supply from a given spinal cord nerve). The superior part arises from the anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C5 and inserts into the anterior tubercle of vertebra C1.

Sinnatamby, C. S., & Last, R. J. (2011). Last's anatomy: Regional and applied. (12th edition). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.

The inferior part arises from the anterior surface of bodies of vertebrae T1-T3 and inserts into the anterior tubercles of transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C6.The ascending part is composed of the inferior fibers of trapezius, that originate from the supraspinous ligaments and spinous processes of the vertebrae T4-T12. These fibers pass upwards and laterally to insert onto the lateral apex of the medial end of the scapular spine.

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. The device helps to relax the muscles, which can significantly relieve pain and stiffness while increasing flexibility. It’s also used to treat and flatten bulging or herniated disks. You may have already started reading some articles for inspiration. Keep on, mate! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment! Longus capitis and longus colli: Two muscles help you twist your head from side to side, as well as twist and tilt your cervical spine.As a Certified Online Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, I’m here to help you shape your body and achieve YOUR health and fitness goals: When the vertebral column is fixed, the muscle produces elevation of the 1st rib, which combined with the action of the external intercostals expands the antero-posterior diameter of the thoracic cage. This action is important during forced respiration. A large group of muscles in the cervical area, responsible for the movement of the head in all directions Multifidus cervicis, that arises from the articular processes of vertebrae C4-C7 and inserts onto the spinous processes of vertebrae 2-5 levels above the origin.