Term 2 Exam: Muscles of the Neck

Question 1

where is the head attached to the vertebral column?

Answer 1

At the atlanto-occipital joint

Question 2

What four muscles are involved in the balance and movement of the head on the vertebral column?

Label them on the diagram:

Answer 2

1. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
2. Trapezius
3. Anterior triangle: Submandibular triangle; submental triangle; carotid triangle; muscular triangle
4. Posterior triangle: Occipital triangle; supraclavicular triangle

Question 4

What movement are the two Sternocleidomastoid muscles involved in?

Answer 4

When Acting together:

• Flexes cervical portion (neck) of the vertebral column
• Flexes the head

When acting unilaterally:

• Laterally rotate and flex head to opposite side of contracting muscle

Reverse Muscle Action (RMA):

• Elevate sternum during forced inhalation

Question 5

Each Sternocleidomastoid muscle has two bellies, what are they?

Answer 5

1. Sternal Head
2. Clavicular Head

Question 6

What is the Trapezius?

Answer 6

• Large trapezoid-shaped muscle
• plays an important role in moving and stabilizing the scapula, and extending the head

Question 7

Name the four capitis muscles that act together to extend the head:

When they act singly, what movement do they provide?

Answer 7

1. Spinalis capitis
2. Semispinalis capitis
3. Splenius capitis
4. Longissimus capitis

Acting singly, they help rotate the head

Question 8

What are the 3 paired divisions of the anterior triangle?

What is it bordered by?

Answer 8

1. Submandibular Triangle
2. Carotid Triangle
3. Muscular Triangle

Bordered by:

Superiorly: Mandible

Medially: Cervical Midline

Laterally: anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

Question 9

What are the two divisions of the Posterior Triangle?

What is the Posterior Triangle bordered by?

Answer 9

Divisions:

1. Occipital Triangle
2. Supraclavicular Triangle

Bordered by:
Inferiorly: the Clavicle

Anteriorly: Posterior border of the stenocleidomastoid muscle

Posteriorly: anterior border of the trapezium muscle