Sternocleidomastoid muscle

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle

The Sternocleidomastoid muscle (pronunciation: /ˌstɛrnoʊˌklaɪdoʊˈmæstoɪd/), often abbreviated as SCM, is a paired muscle in the human body that runs along the sides of the neck.

Etymology

The name "sternocleidomastoid" is derived from the Greek words "sternon" (breastbone), "kleidos" (clavicle), and "mastoides" (resembling a breast), which describe the points of muscle attachment.

Anatomy

The Sternocleidomastoid muscle originates from the manubrium sterni and the medial third of the clavicle, and inserts at the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the skull. It is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and the cervical plexus (C2 and C3).

Function

The primary actions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle are rotation of the head to the opposite side and flexion of the neck. It also aids in the process of respiration when the neck is fixed.

Related Terms

• Accessory nerve
• Cervical plexus
• Respiration
• Manubrium
• Clavicle
• Mastoid process

See Also

• Muscular system
• Neck muscles
• Human anatomy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Wikipedia's article - Sternocleidomastoid muscle

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