Neck Muscles

Question 1

action: rotate the head to the opposite side or obliquely rotate the head. it also flexes the neck. when both sides of the muscle act together, it flexes the neck and extends the head
origin: manubrium and medial portion of the clavicle (side of neck)
insertion: mastoid process of the temporal bone, superior nuchal line

Answer 1

sternocleidomastoid

Question 2

action: elevates the scapula and rotates its inferior angle medially. it often works in combination with other muscles like the rhomboids and pectoralis minor to rotate down
origin: posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 - C4 vertebrae
insertion: superior part of medial border of scapula

Answer 2

levator scapulae

Question 3

located under the jaw

action: involved in any complex jaw action such as speaking, swallowing, chewing and breathing. when it contracts, it acts to elevate the hyoid bone
origin: anterior belly - digastric fossa (mandible); posterior belly - mastoid notch of temporal bone
insertion: intermediate tendon (hyoid bone)

Answer 3

digastric (anterior and posterior bellies)

Question 4

action: elevates and retracts hyoid bone. it initiates a swallowing action by pulling the hyoid bone in a posterior and superior direction
origin: styloid process (temporal)
insertion: body of the hyoid

Answer 4

stylohyoid

Question 5

action: depresses the hyoid
origin: (in front of neck) upper border of the scapula (inferior belly), intermediate tendon (superior belly)
insertion: intermediate tendon (inferior belly), hyoid bone (superior belly)

Answer 5

omohyoid

Question 6

paired muscle

action: elevates the hyoid and the tongue. This is particularly important during swallowing and speaking. (also functions as reinforcing the floor of mouth)
origin: mylohyoid line (mandible)
insertion: body of hyoid bone and median ridge

Answer 6

mylohyoid