Detailed diagram of parts of neck muscle anatomy showing all major muscles, including sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalenes, labeled with names and anatomical positions.

Neck Muscle Anatomy: Complete Guide with Parts, Names & Diagram

,

Overview of Neck Muscle Anatomy

The neck muscle anatomy contains several muscles that help move the head in different directions. These muscles are grouped based on their location in the neck: the front (anterior), side (lateral), and back (posterior) areas. Each group of muscles has specific roles depending on where they are and how deep they are in the neck. For example, the muscles at the back of the neck mainly help lift and extend the head. The position of each muscle group is closely connected to its function. These neck muscles also lie near important structures that travel between the chest and the head, such as major blood vessels, nerves, and parts of the breathing and digestive systems.

This guide will give you an overview of neck muscle anatomy with different groups of muscles found in the neck and their basic roles in movement and support.

Neck Muscles Anatomy Diagram

Detailed diagram of parts of neck muscle anatomy showing all major muscles, including sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, levator scapulae, and scalenes, labeled with names and anatomical positions.
Illustration of human neck muscles highlighting key structures like the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scalene muscles for easy understanding of anatomy and function.

Anatomy of Neck Muscles

Anterior Neck Muscles

  1. Superficial Neck Muscles
    • Platysma
    • Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
  2. Suprahyoid Muscles
    • Digastric (Anterior and Posterior Belly)
    • Mylohyoid
    • Geniohyoid
    • Stylohyoid
  3. Infrahyoid Muscles
    • Sternohyoid
    • Omohyoid (Superior and Inferior Belly)
    • Sternothyroid
    • Thyrohyoid

4. Deep Neck Muscles

5. Anterior Vertebrae Muscles

  • Longus colli
  • Longus capitis
  • Rectus capitis anterior
  • Rectus capitis lateralis

Lateral Vertebral Muscles

  1. Anterior Scalene
  2. Middle Scalene
  3. Posterior Scalene

Posterior Neck Muscles

  1. Superficial Layer
    • Trapezius
    • Splenius Muscles
  2. Deep Layer
    • Cervical Transversospinalis Muscles
  3. Deepest Layer
    • Suboccipital Muscles
    • Interspinales Cervicis
    • Intertransversarii Colli

Neck Muscle Anatomy – Anterior

The anterior neck muscles are located at the front of the neck and play key roles in movement, support, and functions like swallowing and speaking. These muscles are organized into three main groups based on their position and function: the suprahyoid muscles, infrahyoid muscles, and the prevertebral muscles. Each group works together to control head and neck motion and assist in vital actions such as breathing and maintaining posture.

1. Superficial Muscles

The superficial muscles of the neck include the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius.

The platysma is a thin sheet of muscle just under the skin that helps move the lower face and jaw, playing a role in expressions like frowning or grimacing.

The sternocleidomastoid runs along each side of the neck and helps turn the head or tilt it toward the shoulder.

The trapezius spans from the back of the neck to the shoulders and upper spine. It supports head posture and helps lift or rotate the shoulders.

Platysma

The platysma is a thin, flat muscle found just beneath the skin on the front of the neck. It lies within the subcutaneous tissue and sits above the investing layer of the deep cervical fascia.

This muscle begins in the skin and connective tissue over the upper chest and collarbone (clavicle) area and extends upward along the neck.

The platysma attaches to several areas, including the lower edge of the mandible (jawbone), the skin of the lower face, the lower lip, and the corners of the mouth.

It is controlled by the cervical branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It receives blood from the submental artery (a branch of the facial artery) and the suprascapular artery (from the thyrocervical trunk).

As the platysma is directly connected to the skin of the face, it plays a role in facial expressions. One of its main actions is pulling the corners of the mouth downward, which helps create a sad or tense facial expression.

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM)

The sternocleidomastoid is a large neck muscle with two parts. One part starts from the manubrium of the sternum (sternal head), and the other from the inner third of the clavicle (clavicular head).

These two parts merge and run diagonally upward to attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone, just behind the ear.

This muscle gets its nerve supply mainly from the accessory (cranial nerve XI) and the C2 and C3 spinal nerves. Several arteries, including the occipital, posterior auricular, superior thyroid, and suprascapular arteries, supply blood.

The muscle’s action depends on whether one side or both sides contract:

  • When one side contracts, it tilts the head to the same side and turns the face to the opposite side.
  • When both sides contract together, they bend the neck forward, bringing the chin toward the chest.
  • Suppose the head and neck are fixed in place. In that case, the muscle can also help with deep breathing by lifting the sternum and clavicle, expanding the upper chest during forced inhalation.

2. Suprahyoid Muscles

The suprahyoid group consists of four distinct muscles: digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid. These bones sit above the hyoid bone and anchor it to the jaw and skull base.

Together, they create the oral cavity’s floor. It lifts and stabilizes the hyoid bone during actions like swallowing, speaking, and chewing.

By pulling the hyoid upward or forward, these muscles coordinate mouth movement with throat opening to guide food and sound smoothly through the throat.

Digastric

The digastric muscle is a small, Y-shaped muscle located beneath the lower jaw (mandible). It connects the area behind the ear to the inside of the lower jaw and plays an important role in jaw and throat movement. This muscle has two distinct sections—called bellies—joined by a central tendon.

  • The posterior belly begins at the mastoid notch, a groove just behind the ear on the temporal bone of the skull.
  • The anterior belly starts at the digastric fossa, a small depression on the inner surface of the mandible near the chin.

These two parts run toward the hyoid bone, a U-shaped bone in the neck. They are connected by an intermediate tendon, which passes through a fibrous loop anchored to the top of the hyoid, allowing the muscle to glide during movement.

Nerve supply:

  • The nerve activates the anterior belly of the mylohyoid. It is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
  • The posterior belly is controlled by a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Blood supply comes from:

  • The submental artery (from the facial artery),
  • The posterior auricular artery, and
  • The occipital artery.

Function depends on what part of the body is stable:

  • When the jaw is still, the digastric lifts the hyoid bone and larynx, which helps close off the airway during swallowing and protects the lungs from food or liquid.
  • When the hyoid is fixed, the muscle helps lower the jaw, assisting in opening the mouth.

Mylohyoid

The mylohyoid is a thin, flat muscle that forms the main part of the mouth’s floor. It begins at the mylohyoid line—a ridge on the inner surface of the lower jaw—and stretches inward to connect with

  • A midline tissue band called the mylohyoid raphe.
  • The top edge of the hyoid bone.

The nerve powers this muscle through the mylohyoid, a small branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V3). It receives blood from three sources: the sublingual artery, the inferior alveolar artery, and the submental artery.

The mylohyoid plays different roles depending on which structure is anchored:

  • When the jaw is still, it lifts the hyoid bone and floor of the mouth, helping to press the tongue upward during swallowing.
  • When the hyoid bone is stable, it assists in lowering the jaw, making it easier to open the mouth.

Its dual function makes it essential for everyday actions like eating and speaking.

Geniohyoid

The geniohyoid is a slender muscle found deep in the upper neck. It starts from a small bony bump on the inner surface of the lower jaw, called the inferior mental spine.

Further, it stretches backward and downward to connect with the upper part of the hyoid bone—a U-shaped bone in the throat that supports the tongue and surrounding muscles.

Nerve signals power this muscle from the first cervical spinal nerve (C1), which travels alongside the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII). Its blood supply comes from the sublingual branch of the lingual artery.

Functionally, the geniohyoid plays a key role in swallowing and speaking. When the jaw is steady, it pulls the hyoid bone—and with it, the larynx and pharynx—forward and upward.

This movement helps open the upper airway and makes swallowing smoother. On the other hand, if the hyoid bone is anchored in place, the geniohyoid assists in pulling the jaw downward, helping to open the mouth.

Stylohyoid

The stylohyoid is a thin, narrow muscle that links the base of the skull to the hyoid bone in the upper neck. It starts from the rear side of the styloid process, a pointed projection on the temporal bone, and extends downward and forward to connect to the body of the hyoid bone.

This muscle is controlled by a branch of the facial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VII. Its blood supply comes from branches of the facial, occipital, and posterior auricular arteries.

Functionally, the stylohyoid helps raise and pull the hyoid bone slightly backward. This action plays a key role in swallowing by guiding food from the mouth into the throat.

It also supports the airway by keeping the throat open, allowing air to move freely during breathing.

3. Infrahyoid Muscles

The infrahyoid muscles are a group of four muscles found below the hyoid bone. They link the hyoid to the sternum, thyroid cartilage, and scapula. These muscles include the sternohyoid, omohyoid, sternothyroid, and thyrohyoid.

Their primary role is to stabilize and move the hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage. This movement is essential during swallowing, speaking, and chewing, as it helps control the position of the larynx and maintain an open airway.

Each muscle plays a specific part in fine-tuning the motion and support of the neck structures during these activities.

Sternohyoid

The sternohyoid muscle is a flat, ribbon-like muscle located in the neck’s muscular triangle. It starts from the top part of the breastbone (manubrium) and the inner part of the collarbone (clavicle). From there, it moves upward and slightly inward to connect to the lower part of the hyoid bone in the throat.

This muscle gets its nerve signals from the ansa cervicalis, a loop formed by nerves from the first three spinal nerves in the neck (C1 to C3). Blood is supplied to the sternohyoid by the superior thyroid artery, which branches off from the external carotid artery.

The main function of the sternohyoid is to lower the hyoid bone and voice box (larynx) after they have been lifted during swallowing. This action helps to reopen the airway so that normal breathing can continue.

Omohyoid (Superior and Inferior Belly)

The omohyoid is a thin muscle that stretches from the shoulder blade (scapula) to a small bone in the neck called the hyoid bone. It has two parts:

  1. The inferior (lower) belly
  2. The superior (upper) belly

The lower belly starts at the top edge of the shoulder blade and moves upward and forward to connect with the tendon near the cricoid cartilage (a part of the voice box).

From this tendon, the upper belly continues to the bottom edge of the hyoid bone. This unique setup allows the muscle to connect the shoulder area with the front of the neck.

The omohyoid is controlled by the ansa cervicalis, a loop of nerves in the neck. It receives blood from two arteries: the superior thyroid artery (from the external carotid artery) and the inferior thyroid artery (from the thyrocervical trunk).

Like other infrahyoid muscles, its main job is to pull the hyoid bone and voice box (larynx) downward, which helps with breathing after swallowing.

What makes the omohyoid special is that its tendon is attached to the carotid sheath—a protective layer around major neck vessels. When the muscle tightens-

  1. It tugs on this sheath.
  2. Help to lower pressure in the internal jugular vein.
  3. Makes it easier for blood to return from the head to the heart.

Sternothyroid

The sternothyroid is a narrow, strap-like muscle found in the front part of the neck, within the muscular triangle.

It begins at the back surface of the manubrium of the sternum and the cartilage of the first rib. From there, it travels upward to attach to the oblique line on the side of the thyroid cartilage.

This muscle receives its nerve signals from the ansa cervicalis, which is formed by cervical spinal nerves C1 to C3. Its blood comes from branches of the superior thyroid and lingual arteries.

Functionally, the sternothyroid helps lower the hyoid bone and larynx after swallowing. This action reopens the airway, making it easier to breathe.

Additionally, it pulls the thyroid cartilage downward and away from the hyoid bone, helping widen the laryngeal inlet during deep or forceful inhalation.

Thyrohyoid

The thyrohyoid muscle is a small, four-sided muscle found in the muscular triangle of the neck. It starts from the oblique line on the thyroid cartilage (part of the voice box). It moves upward to attach to the lower edge of the greater horn and the nearby part of the body of the hyoid bone (a small bone in the upper neck).

This muscle gets its nerve signals from the first cervical spinal nerve (C1), which travels along with the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII).

Its blood supply comes from small branches of the superior thyroid artery and the lingual artery, both of which come off the external carotid artery.

The main job of the thyrohyoid, along with other infrahyoid muscles, is to pull the hyoid bone downward after it has been lifted during swallowing or speaking.

Interestingly, when the hyoid bone stays in place, the thyrohyoid can also lift the larynx (voice box). This movement is especially useful for singers when they need to hit high notes.

5. Anterior Vertebrae Muscles

The anterior vertebral muscles, also called prevertebral muscles, are a group of deep muscles found at the front of the cervical spine in the neck. This group includes the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli.

These muscles play an important role in bending (flexing) the head and neck forward and also help stabilize the cervical spine during movement. They are essential for controlled head movements and posture, especially during activities like nodding or looking down.

Longus colli

The longus colli muscle, also known as the longus cervicis, is a deep muscle located at the front of the neck and upper back, along the spine. It plays an important role in helping you bend your neck forward and keeping your neck stable.

This muscle is divided into three parts:

  1. Upper part: Starts from the front of the C3 to C5 neck bones and connects to the front of the C1 bone (called the atlas).
  2. Middle part: Begins at the front of the C5 to T3 bones (from lower neck to upper back) and attaches to the front of the C2 to C4 bones.
  3. Lower part: Comes from the front of the T1 to T3 bones (upper back) and connects to the sides of the C5 and C6 neck bones.

The longus colli is controlled by the C2 to C6 spinal nerves and gets its blood supply from three main arteries: the vertebral artery, inferior thyroid artery, and ascending pharyngeal artery.

This muscle helps bend the neck forward, and its lower part also helps tilt the neck to the side and rotate it slightly in the opposite direction.

Even though it is small and hidden deep inside the neck, the longus colli is essential for fine movements and support of the neck and spine.

Longus capitis

The longus capitis is a long, flat muscle in the front of the neck. It starts from the front parts of the third to sixth cervical vertebrae (C3–C6) as four narrow bands of muscle.

These bands run upward and inward to attach to the underside of the base of the occipital bone, which is at the lower back of the skull.

This muscle gets its nerve supply from the front branches of the spinal nerves C1 to C3. It receives blood from the ascending pharyngeal artery, a branch of the inferior thyroid artery (called the ascending cervical branch), and muscle branches of the vertebral artery.

The main role of the longus capitis is to help gently bend the head forward when both sides contract together. If only one side contracts, it helps turn the head to the same side.

Rectus capitis anterior

The rectus capitis anterior is a small, short muscle in the upper neck. It starts from the front part of the side of the first cervical vertebra (the atlas or C1). It connects to the base of the skull, just in front of the large opening called the foramen magnum.

This muscle is controlled by the front branches of the first and second cervical spinal nerves (C1 and C2). It receives blood from the vertebral artery and the ascending pharyngeal artery.

Its main job is to help bend the head forward at the joint between the skull and the neck (the atlanto-occipital joint) and to help keep this joint stable.

Rectus capitis lateralis

The rectus capitis lateralis is a small neck muscle that starts from the upper part of the transverse process of the first cervical vertebra (atlas or C1) and attaches to the lower part of the jugular process on the occipital bone of the skull.

It receives nerve signals from the front branches of the first and second cervical spinal nerves (C1 and C2). The ascending pharyngeal, vertebral, and occipital arteries supply blood to this muscle.

Its main role is to gently tilt the head to the side (lateral flexion) at the joint between the skull and the spine (atlanto-occipital joint) and to help keep this joint steady during head movements.

Neck Muscle Anatomy – Lateral Vertebral

The lateral neck muscles, also called the lateral vertebral muscles, are located on each side of the neck. This group includes the anterior, middle, and posterior scalene muscles. These muscles stretch from the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae to the first and second ribs.

Their main job is to tilt the neck toward the same side, a movement known as ipsilateral flexion. They also support breathing by gently raising the upper ribs when you inhale, helping to expand the chest.

1. Anterior Scalene

The anterior scalene muscle is the frontmost muscle among the scalene group. It originates from the front bumps (anterior tubercles) on the side projections (transverse processes) of the neck vertebrae C3 to C6.

From there, it attaches to a small bump called the scalene tubercle along the upper edge of the first rib.
This muscle receives its nerve signals from the front branches of the spinal nerves C4 to C6. Blood is supplied to it mainly by the ascending cervical artery, a branch of the inferior thyroid artery.

The role of the anterior scalene varies based on whether it works alone or with its partner on the opposite side, and whether the ribs or neck are fixed.

When both sides contract together and the ribs are stable, it bends the neck forward. If only one side contracts, it tilts the neck toward that same side.

If the spine is held steady, the muscle lifts the first rib upward. This action, along with the external intercostal muscles, helps increase the front-to-back size of the chest, which makes it easier to breathe deeply during heavy breathing.

2. Middle Scalene

The middle scalene is a muscle on the side of the neck. It starts from the small bumps (called posterior tubercles) on the side of the neck bones — the atlas (C1), axis (C2), and the third to seventh cervical vertebrae (C3–C7).

From there, it slopes downward and outward to attach to the top edge of the first rib.

This muscle receives nerve signals from the front branches (anterior rami) of cervical spinal nerves C3 to C8. Blood is supplied to it by the ascending cervical artery, which comes from the inferior thyroid artery.

When the first rib is held in place, the middle scalene helps bend the neck to the same side. If the neck is steady, the muscle helps lift or stabilize the first rib, making it easier to take a deep breath.

3. Posterior Scalene

The posterior scalene is the smallest of the three scalene muscles and is positioned at the back. It begins at the back part of the side projections (posterior tubercles) of the neck bones, specifically from the 4th to the 6th cervical vertebrae (C4–C6).

From there, it runs backward and outward to attach to the outer part of the second rib.

This muscle gets its nerve supply from the front branches of the spinal nerves C6 to C8. It receives blood from two main arteries:

  • The ascending cervical artery branches off from the inferior thyroid artery.
  • The transverse cervical artery comes from the thyrocervical trunk.

Functionally, the posterior scalene helps tilt the neck to the same side when it pulls from below. It helps support or raise the second rib, especially during breathing when it pulls from above.

Neck Muscle Anatomy – Posterior

Several layers of muscles at the back of the neck support and connect the head, spine, and shoulders. These muscles form three main layers, each playing a specific role in moving and stabilizing the neck.

  • Top Layer (Superficial Layer): This is the outermost group of muscles, including the trapezius, splenius capitis, and splenius cervicis. They help in turning, tilting, and extending the head and neck, making larger movements possible.
  • Middle Layer (Deep Layer): Located beneath the top layer, this group includes muscles like the semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and multifidus cervicis. These muscles support the spine and help with smaller, controlled neck movements.
  • Inner Layer (Deepest Layer): Closest to the spine, this layer contains the suboccipital muscles, interspinales cervicis, and intertransversarii colli. These small muscles are important for fine-tuning head movements and keeping the neck stable and upright.

Altogether, these muscle layers allow smooth movement of the neck and head while keeping the spine supported and balanced.

1. Superficial Layer

The superficial neck muscles are the ones found just beneath the skin. These include the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius muscles.

Trapezius

The trapezius is a large, flat muscle shaped like a diamond when paired with its opposite-side muscle. It covers the back of the neck and the upper part of the back (thorax).

It is divided into three parts based on the direction of its fibers: the upper (descending), middle (transverse), and lower (ascending) parts. Each part has different starting (origin) and ending (insertion) points.

  • Descending (upper) part: These upper fibers start from the inner third of the superior nuchal line and the external occipital protuberance (a bump on the back of the skull). They travel downward to attach to the outer third of the collarbone (clavicle).
  • Transverse (middle) part: These middle fibers begin at the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the neck and upper back bones (from C1 to T3 vertebrae). They run sideways and attach to the acromion (tip of the shoulder blade) and the upper ridge of the scapular spine.
  • Ascending (lower) part: These lower fibers start from the spinous processes and ligaments of the lower thoracic vertebrae (T4 to T12). They move upward and attach to the inner end of the scapular spine.

The trapezius is controlled by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI). Blood reaches the muscle through branches of several arteries: the occipital, superficial cervical, transverse cervical, and dorsal scapular arteries.

Function:
  • When one side contracts, the muscle helps bend the neck to the side and rotate the head to the opposite side.
  • When both sides contract together, it helps extend (tilt back) the head.
  • The trapezius also plays a key role in moving and stabilizing the shoulder blade (scapula). It can lift (elevate), lower (depress), pull back (retract), or rotate the scapula, depending on which part of the muscle is active.

Splenius Muscles

The splenius muscles lie just beneath the skin at the back of your neck and top spine. There are two parts: splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. Both help you move and stabilize your head and neck.

Splenius capitis

It is a wide ribbon-shaped muscle that starts on the upper spine and attaches to the base of your skull. When it contracts on both sides, it pulls your head backward (extension). When it works on one side, it tilts and turns your head toward that side.

Splenius cervicis

It starts from the spinous processes of the third through sixth thoracic vertebrae (mid-back). This muscle climbs up to the transverse processes of the second and third cervical vertebrae (upper neck).

Bilateral contraction helps extend the neck, while unilateral contraction bends and twists the neck toward the active side.

2. Deep Layer

Cervical Transversospinalis Muscles

The transversospinalis muscles are a group of deep back muscles that help support and move the spine. They are part of the intrinsic muscles of the back and include three main muscles: the semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores. These muscles are further divided based on the region of the spine where they are located. In the neck region (cervical spine), the key muscles are:

  • Semispinalis capitis: This muscle starts from the articular processes of vertebrae C4 to C7 and the transverse processes of T1 to T6. It extends upward and attaches to the area between the superior and inferior nuchal lines on the occipital bone of the skull.
  • Semispinalis cervicis: It originates from the transverse processes of T1 to T6 and connects to the spinous processes of vertebrae C2 to C5.
  • Multifidus cervicis: This muscle begins at the articular processes of C4 to C7 and attaches to the spinous processes located 2 to 5 vertebrae above the origin.
Nerve Supply:
  • The greater occipital nerve (C2) and spinal nerve C3 control the semispinalis capitis.
  • The medial branches of the posterior rami of spinal nerves supply the semispinalis cervicis and multifidus cervicis.
Blood Supply:

These muscles get blood from branches of the vertebral artery, the deep cervical artery, and the occipital artery.

Function:
  • When both sides contract together (bilateral contraction), they help extend the head and neck.
  • When only one side contracts (unilateral contraction), it assists in rotating the head to the opposite side and bending the neck sideways.

3. Deepest Layer

The deepest layer of the neck contains small but important muscles that help stabilize and fine-tune head and neck movements. These include the suboccipital muscles, interspinales cervicis, and intertransversarii colli.

Suboccipital Muscles

The suboccipital muscles are a bunch of four small muscles found just below the base of the skull, under the semispinalis muscles. These muscles include:

  1. Rectus capitis posterior major: It starts from the spine of the second cervical vertebra (axis) and attaches to the outer part of the lower ridge on the back of the skull (inferior nuchal line).
  2. Rectus capitis posterior minor: This muscle begins at the small bump on the first cervical vertebra (atlas) and connects to the inner part of the same lower ridge on the skull.
  3. Obliquus capitis inferior: It runs from the spine of the axis to the side bump (transverse process) of the atlas.
  4. Obliquus capitis superior: This one starts at the transverse process of the atlas and inserts on the skull between the upper and lower ridges (superior and inferior nuchal lines).

All these muscles receive nerve signals from the suboccipital nerve (C1) and get blood supply from the vertebral artery and branches of the occipital artery.

Their main job is to help keep the head upright and stable. They also allow small head movements, such as tilting backward, bending to the side, and rotating, especially around the joint between the first two cervical vertebrae (the atlantoaxial joint).

Interspinales Cervicis

The interspinales cervicis are a group of six small pairs of muscles located in the neck. They connect the spinous processes—the bony bumps on the back of the spine—of adjacent cervical vertebrae.

It starts from the third cervical vertebra (C3) up to the seventh (C7), each muscle attaches from the upper edge of one vertebra to the lower edge of the one above it.

These muscles are controlled by the posterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves and receive blood from branches of the occipital, vertebral, and deep cervical arteries.

When both sides contract at the same time, they help extend the neck slightly, assisting in movements like gently tilting the head backward. Despite their small size, they play a role in maintaining posture and fine-tuning neck movements.

Intertransversarii Colli

The intertransversarii colli are tiny muscles located in the neck region. They form part of the deepest layer of the intrinsic back muscles. These muscles divide into anterior and posterior groups, each containing short muscle fibers.

They link the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae (specifically running from C1 to T1), attaching from the upper edge of one vertebra to the lower edge of the one above it.

These muscles receive nerve signals from both the anterior and posterior branches of the cervical spinal nerves. Their blood supply comes from the occipital artery, the deep cervical artery, and the vertebral artery.

As they are small and not very strong, the intertransversarii colli play a supportive role by helping with side bending (lateral flexion) of the neck and maintaining stability of the cervical spine during movement.

Read More-

Lower Limb

Upper Limb

Human Head

Organs

External Sources-

  • Wikipedia
  • KenHub
  • Optometrists
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
,

Leave a Comment