STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID

MUSCLE
• The Sternocleidomastoid muscle is one of the largest and most
superficial cervical muscle of the neck.
• The primary actions are rotation of head to the opposite side of
the neck.
• The Sternocleidomastoid muscle is innervated by spinal root of
accessory nerve.
• ORIGIN: 1. Sternal head – it is tendinous which arises from the superolateral part
of the front of the manubrium.
Clavicular head – it is musculotendinous (comprising both muscular and
tendinous tissue) arising from the medial one-third of superior surface of
the clavicle.
• INSERTION:
1. by a thick tendon into the lateral surface of mastoid process ,
from its tip to superior border.
2. by a think aponeurosis into the lateral half of the superior nuchal line
of the occipital bone.
• NERVE: motor supply – spinal accessory nerve
proprioceptive/sensory supply – branches from ventral rami of c2
Structure
• The one head of sternocleidomastoid muscle originates from
manubrium of the sternum and the other head originates from
the superior border of the middle third of the clavicle.
• It travels obliquely across the side of the neck and inserts at the
mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull.
• This muscle is thick and narrow at the centre , and broader and
thinner at either end.
• It divides the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck.
 Actions:
• When one muscle contracts:
1. It turns the chin to the opposite side.
2. It can also tilt the head towards the shoulder of the same side.
• When both SCM muscles contract together:
1. They draw the head forwards, as in eating and in lifting the head
from pillow.
2. With longus colli, they flex the neck against resistance.
3. It stabilizes the head and elevates rib with the help of clavicular
head
of muscle during forced inspiration.