Breast-clavicular-mastoid muscle
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The sternocleidomastoid muscle (m. Sternocleidomastoideus) is located under the subcutaneous muscle of the neck, with the head turned to the side, its contour is designated as a pronounced cushion on the anterolateral surface of the neck. This muscle begins with two parts (medial and lateral) on the front surface of the sternum and the sternal end of the clavicle. Rising up and back, the muscle is attached to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral segment of the superior ear line of the occipital bone. Above the clavicle between the medial and lateral parts of the muscle is a small supraclavicular fossa (fossa supraclavicularis minor).
The function of the sternocleidomastoid muscle: with one-sided cutting, tilts the head in his direction, while the face turns in the opposite direction. With bilateral contraction of the muscle, the head tilts back, since the muscle is attached behind the transverse axis of the atlanto-occipital joint. With a fixed head, the muscle pulls up the thorax, promoting inspiration, as an auxiliary respiratory muscle.
Innervation of the sternocleidomastoid muscle: an additional nerve (XI).
Blood supply of the sternocleidomastoid muscle: sternocleidomastoid branches of the occipital and upper thyroid arteries.
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