Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

Description

Sternocleidomastoids

The anatomy of the occipital triangle, the greater occipital nerve and lesser occipital nerve, occipital artery (and veins), and lymph nodes can be accessed in an area between the proximal edge of the trapezius medially, the nuchal line proximally, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle laterally

Name

• Sternocleidomastoid
• SCM
• Sternomastoid
• Sterno muscle
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• SCM muscle
• Sternocleido-mastoid
• Sternocleidomastoideus
• Superficial neck muscle

General

• One of the largest and most superficial neck muscles
• Originates on the sternum, clavicle and inserts on the mastoid process

Origin

• Sternal head: anterior surface of manubrium; Clavicular head: medial third of clavicle

Insertion

• Mastoid process and lateral part of superior nuchal line

Actions

• Flexion of the neck
• Rotation of the head

Vascular Supply

• Superior thyroid artery, occipital artery

Innervation

• Spinal Accessory Nerve

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Torticollis
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Procedures

• Trigger Point Injection

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See Also

• Physical Exam Neck
• Neck Anatomy (Main)
• Neck Pain (Main)

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