where are muscles in the neck

Where are the muscles in your neck located?

Your neck muscles are at the front, back and sides of your neck. From the back, they begin just beneath the base of your skull and extend down near the middle of your back, around your shoulder blades. From the front, these muscles begin at your jaw and extend to your collarbone at the top of your chest.

What does muscle pain in neck feel like?

When your neck is sore, you may have difficulty moving it, such as turning to one side. Many people describe this as having a stiff neck. If neck pain involves compression of your nerves, you may feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arm or hand.

Which muscles are located on the side of the neck?

Carotid. This triangle is found on the sides of the neck. It contains the digastric, omohyoid, and sternocleidomastoid muscles, which flex the neck and jaw. They also anchor the hyoid bone, which helps to swallow and move the tongue.

Can muscles in your neck hurt?

Neck pain is a common complaint. Neck muscles can be strained from poor posture — whether it's leaning over your computer or hunching over your workbench. Osteoarthritis also is a common cause of neck pain. Rarely, neck pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem.

How do you relieve neck muscle pain?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Alternate heat and cold. Reduce inflammation by applying cold, such as an ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes several times a day.

How long does it take for a strained neck muscle to heal?

With proper treatment and rest, most patients will recover from a neck strain or sprain within four to six weeks. If the strain or sprain is severe, it can take three months or more to fully recover.

How do I loosen up my neck muscles?

Side TiltGently tilt your head toward your right shoulder and try to touch it with your ear. ... Hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds, then return to the start position.Repeat on your left side. ... For extra stretch, put the hand on the same side of your tilted head on top of your head, and press lightly with your fingertips.

Which muscles cause neck pain?

Common Causes of Stiff Neck By far the most common cause of a stiff neck is a muscle strain or soft tissue sprain. In particular, the levator scapulae muscle is susceptible to injury. Located at the back and side of the neck, the levator scapulae muscle connects the neck's cervical spine with the shoulder.

Can you pull a muscle in your neck?

A sudden, awkward movement can strain the neck. This often occurs with falls or car crashes or during certain sports. Everyday activities like working on a computer or sleeping can also cause neck strain if they force you to hold your neck in an awkward position for a long time.

What does neck tendonitis feel like?

Symptoms of Tendonitis of The Neck Some symptoms can include: pain within your neck or pain that radiates down to your scapula (shoulder blade) stiffness limiting the ability to move your head/neck. swelling around the area.

Why won't my stiff neck go away?

A stiff neck is generally not a cause for alarm. However, see a doctor if: The stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, a headache, or irritability. The stiffness does not go away within a few days and after trying home treatments such as NSAIDs and gentle stretching.

What does a pinched nerve in the neck feel like?

Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include: Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve. Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward. Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)

What does neck tendonitis feel like?

Symptoms of Tendonitis of The Neck Some symptoms can include: pain within your neck or pain that radiates down to your scapula (shoulder blade) stiffness limiting the ability to move your head/neck. swelling around the area.

When should I worry about neck pain?

The rule of thumb is that you should start a more thorough medical investigation only when all three of these conditions are met, three general red flags for neck pain: it's been bothering you for more than about 6 weeks. it's severe and/or not improving, or actually getting worse.

What does a pinched nerve in the neck feel like?

Pinched nerve signs and symptoms include: Numbness or decreased sensation in the area supplied by the nerve. Sharp, aching or burning pain, which may radiate outward. Tingling, pins and needles sensations (paresthesia)

What does severe neck pain indicate?

Neck pain can last from days to years, depending on the cause. Common causes include osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disc, pinched nerve, mental and physical stress and strain, poor posture, tumors and other health conditions.

What is the neck muscle?

Neck muscles are bodies of tissue that produce motion in the neck when stimulated. The muscles of the neck run from the base of the skull to the upper back and work together to bend the head and assist in breathing.

Why is it important to keep the muscles of the neck strong?

It is important to keep the muscles of neck strong to maintain proper function and avoid injuries and neck pain. The main function of the muscles of neck is head movement, but they also contribute to the maintenance of blood flow to the brain and holding the head upright.

What muscles are involved in breathing?

The muscles of the neck run from the base of the skull to the upper back and work together to bend the head and assist in breathing. The motion of the muscles of the neck are divided into four categories: rotation, lateral flexion, flexion, and hyperextension.

How to relieve neck pain?

Most neck pain can be relieved by applying heat or ice, reducing physical activity, stretching the aching area through slow range-of-motion exercises, massage, or by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

What is the action of moving the head from side to side?

Rotation describes the action of moving the head from side to side, lateral motion brings the ear to the shoulder, flexion moves the chin to the chest (as in looking down), and hyperextension moves the neck so that the head tilts upward.

What are the muscles of the neck?

These muscles are mainly responsible for the movement  of the head  in all directions. They consist of 3 main groups of muscles: anterior, lateral and posterior groups, based on their position in the neck.

What is the position of a muscle in the neck?

The position of a muscle or group of muscles in the neck generally relates to the function of the muscles. For example, the muscles in the posterior neck are responsible for extension of the neck. The muscles of the neck are closely related to a number of important structures that pass between the thorax  and the head, ...

What muscles are located in the mandible?

These muscles include the digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid and stylohyoid muscles .

What is the omohyoid muscle?

The omohyoid is a narrow muscle that connects the scapula to the hyoid bone. The muscle is composed of two bellies connected by an intermediate tendon, similar to the digastric muscle.

Which muscle is most superficial in the anterior neck?

The superficial muscles are the most superficial in the anterior neck, and include the platysma  and sternocleidomastoid . The suprahyoid muscles, as the name suggests, are found superior to the hyoid bone , and include the digastric , mylohyoid , geniohyoid  and stylohyoid .

Where does the geniohyoid muscle come from?

The geniohyoid is a short muscle that arises from the inferior mental spine of the mandible and runs posteroinferiorly to insert into the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone.

What are the three main groups of muscles?

They consist of 3 main groups of muscles: anterior, lateral and posterior groups, based on their position in the neck. The musculature of the neck is further divided into more specific groups based on a number of determinants; including depth, precise location and function. The position of a muscle or group of muscles in ...

What muscles extend the neck?

Muscles of the Neck. The muscles of the neck are present in four main groups. The suboccipital muscles act to rotate the head and extend the neck. Rectus capitis posterior major and Rectus capitis posterior minor attach the inferior nuchal line of the occiput to the C2 and C1 vertebrae respectively. Obliquus capitis superior also extends ...

Which muscle is not innervated by the ansa cervicalis?

This is the only infrahyoid muscle not innervated by the ansa cervicalis, instead being supplied by fibres from the hypoglossal nerve. In this section, learn more about the anatomy of the muscles of the neck.

Which muscle is responsible for elevating the hyoid during swallowing?

These muscles are innervated by the posterior rami of various cervical spinal nerves. The suprahyoid muscles all attach to the hyoid bone from superior origins and thus are responsible for elevating the hyoid during swallowing. Mylohyoid and geniohyoid both originate from the internal surface of the mandible.

Which muscles attach to the C1 vertebrae?

Rectus capitis posterior major and Rectus capitis posterior minor attach the inferior nuchal line of the occiput to the C2 and C1 vertebrae respectively. Obliquus capitis superior also extends from the occiput to C1 while obliquus capitis inferior originates from C2 and attaches to C1. The suboccipital muscles are all innervated by ...

What muscles are used to depress the hyoid?

The infrahyoid muscles act mainly to depress the hyoid. The superficial sternohyoid and omohyoid originate from the sternum and scapula respectively. The latter has an intermediate tendon between its two bellies which in anchored to the clavicle. The sternothyroid is found deeper, running from the sternum to the thyroid cartilage. It continues toward the hyoid as a thin band called the thyrohyoid. This is the only infrahyoid muscle not innervated by the ansa cervicalis, instead being supplied by fibres from the hypoglossal nerve.

What muscles are in the neck?

Although anchored in the neck, their primary functions are to move the shoulder blades and support the arms. In the front of the neck, the platysma muscle extends up from the chest, goes over the collarbone, and ends at the jaw. It pulls down the lower face and mouth ...

Where are the sternocleidomastoid muscles located?

Located underneath the platysma on the sides of the neck are the sternocleidomastoid muscles. With one on each side of the neck, these help flex the neck and rotate the head upward and side to side. They stretch from behind the ear diagonally to the center of the chest at the sternum. These muscles and the deep muscles of the neck can be ...

What muscles help stabilize the head?

Many in the neck help to stabilize or move the head. Some also create facial expressions. The fan-shaped trapezius muscles extend from the back of the skull down to the middle of the back, along the spine, and fan over into the shoulders. These muscles give the sides of the neck their shape. Although anchored in the neck, their primary functions ...

Why does my neck hurt?

These muscles and the deep muscles of the neck can be the causes of neck pain due to muscle strains, muscle tension, and other issues. A common cause of neck pain is muscle strain. This is often a result of incorrect posture.

What causes neck pain when you pull your head forward?

If you strain to get closer, you could develop a sore neck. Car crashes and other high-impact accidents can cause lasting neck pain as the sudden stopping can jerk the head forward or backward and injure the neck muscles. Common treatments for minor neck pain include: Over-the-counter pain relievers. Heat or ice.

What is the name of the muscle closest to the skin surface?

Superficial Muscles. Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by the Healthline Editorial Team — Updated on January 23, 2018. Superficial muscles are the muscles closest to the skin surface and can usually be seen while a body is performing actions.

How to avoid neck pain when working at computer?

The easiest way to avoid neck pain in these situations is to keep your neck and shoulders square in good posture and either move your chair forward or bring your materials closer to you.

Which muscle is responsible for the movement of the head and neck?

The neck muscles, including the sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius, are responsible for the gross motor movement in the muscular system of the head and neck. They move the head in every direction, pulling the skull and jaw towards the shoulders, spine, and scapula.

What are the functions of the head and neck muscles?

The muscles of the head and neck perform many important tasks, including movement of the head and neck, chewing and swallowing, speech, facial expressions, and movement of the eyes. These diverse tasks require both strong, forceful movements and some of the fastest, finest, and most delicate adjustments in the entire human body.

Which muscles move the mandible?

Producing the body’s ability to close the mouth, bite, and chew food, the muscles of mastication move the mandible relative to the rest of the skull. These muscles, including the masseter and temporalis, elevate the jaw forcefully during chewing and gently during speech.

What is the smallest muscle in the skeleton?

In fact, the smallest muscle of the skeleton is the stapedius, which measures around 1 millimeter (1/20th of an inch) in length. The muscles of the middle ear contract to dampen the amplitude of vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Which muscles pull on the skin to produce a seemingly infinite number of facial expressions and to move the lips and cheek?

Continued From Above... These muscles, including the zygomaticus major and orbicularis oris, pull on the skin to produce a seemingly infinite number of facial expressions and to move the lips and cheeks during speech and eating.

How many muscles are involved in the eye?

As for the eye, six extrinsic eye muscles provide superior, inferior, lateral, and medial motion, as well as rotation of the eyeball. These muscles produce extremely fine movements almost constantly throughout the day with tremendous speed and accuracy.

What muscles are involved in the neck?

Here is a list of the many muscles that exist in the neck. Longus Colli & Capitis – Responsible for flexion of the head and neck.

Which part of the neck is responsible for flexion of the head and neck?

Longus Colli & Capitis – Responsible for flexion of the head and neck.

What is the smallest vertebra of the spine?

Similar to the rest of the spine (thoracic and lumbar), each of the vertebra of the cervical spine consists of a body, two pedicles, lamina, and multiple bony projections (called processes ). The vertebrae of the cervical spine are the smallest of the spine as they only support the weight of the head. The processes serve as attachment points for various ligaments and muscles that are important to the stability of the spine.

How many vertebrae are there in the cervical spine?

The cervical spine consists of 7 vertebra that are numbered 1 through 7 from top to bottom i.e. C1, C2, C3, C4, etc. While in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the anatomy of the vertebrae is relatively consistent between each vertebra, cervical spine anatomy is quite variable. A description of each of the vertebrae follows:

What is the purpose of the neck anatomy?

May 6, 2015 by Dr. Andrew Chung. The purpose of the spine is to support the body so that we can stand upright. Secondarily, it protects the spinal cord (which is the extension of the brain) and all of the nerves that branch from the spinal cord.

How many spinal nerves are there?

There are 8 spinal nerves that originate from the cervical spine. The majority of these nerves control the functions of the upper extremities and allow you to feel your arms, shoulder, and back of your head. Each nerve provides sensation to a specific area of the body called a dermatome.

Why does the spine look straight?

When looking from behind, in most individuals, the spine looks straight. However, when viewing the spine from the side, there are distinct curves to each part of the spine. The purpose of these curves is to grant some additionally flexibility and shock absorbing abilities to the spine.

Which part of the neck is responsible for the protection of the parts of the neck?

Protection of the parts of the neck and its mobility are ensured by the vertebrae and muscles of the neck.

What are the triangles in the neck?

The neck triangles are actually spaces bordered by the neck muscles. There are two main triangles; the anterior, and the posterior, triangles of the neck. The anterior triangle of the neck is made by the anterior border ...

What muscle is the posterior triangle bounded by?

Similarly, the posterior triangle is bounded by the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the anterior border of the trapezius muscle and the middle third of the clavicle. It can be subdivided into the occipital triangle and the omoclavicular triangle. Triangles of the neck. Anterior triangle.

How many cartilages are there in the human body?

9 cartilages: Thyroid (1), epiglottic (1), cricoid (1), arytenoid (2), corniculate (2), cuneiform (2) cartilages. Thyroid gland. Consists of left and right lobes connected by a central isthmus, produces thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Hyoid bone. Consists of a central body with paired greater and lessor horns.

What is the function of the larynx?

The main larynx function is to conduct air to the trachea; it also acts to prevent food from entering the trachea too. This is possible because the larynx has a flap on its upper part called the epiglottis that is closed during swallowing and open during breathing. The larynx also holds the structures of the ‘voice box’, which consists of nine cartilages: three unpaired (thyroid, epiglottic and cricoid cartilages) and three paired (arytenoid, corniculate and cuneiform cartilages), articulating via the joints of the larynx.

What is the anterior triangle of the neck?

The anterior triangle of the neck is made by the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the inferior border of the mandible and the midline of the neck. This triangle can be further divided into the submandibular triangle, submental triangle, muscular triangle and carotid triangle.

Which bone is not attached to any other bone?

Have you heard about the one bone in the body that isn’t attached to any other bones, well this is it - the hyoid bone . You can easily find and palpate the hyoid just superior to the thyroid cartilage . The body of the hyoid bone projects anteriorly (like the base of the letter U), whereas the greater horns project posteriorly from the body (the two arms of the U).

Which muscle is located on the lower side of the neck?

It involves in depress and wrinkles skin of the lower face and the mouth. Superficial Neck Muscles. Sternocleidomastoid – It is a paired muscle that is located on each side of the neck. It origins from the manubrium of the sternum and inserts on the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. 2.

What is the neck?

The Neck is an area between the head and the rest of the body and it is built of different tissues and organs, including many skeletal muscles.

Where does the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major originate?

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major – It originates from the spinous process of the axis and inserts into the inferior nuchal line on the surface of the occipital bone. It is involved in the ipsilateral rotation of the head and extension of the head.

Which muscle is responsible for chewing?

It originates on the skull and inserts into the mandible, thereby acting upon the movements of the lower jaw at the Temporomandibular joint. Masticatory Muscle. There are 4 masticatory muscles on both sides of the head.

What is the muscle that extends between the thoracic and the atlas?

Longus Colli – It is an extending muscle between the atlas and the thoracic vertebrae. It is responsible for the flexion of the head and neck. It originates from the transverse process of the 2nd to 5th cervical vertebrae and inserts into the anterior tubercles of the atlas.

Which muscle is derivative of the first pharyngeal arch?

The head muscles can be grouped into two categories, Masticatory muscles which are derivatives of the first pharyngeal arch , and Facial muscles which are derivatives of the second pharyngeal arch.

What is the name of the muscle that stretches from the lower part of the face to the upper part of the body?

Platysma – It is a wide flat, superficial neck muscle spreading from the lower part of the face to the upper thorax. It is a paired thin muscle arising from the upper parts of the shoulders and inserting into the mouth. It involves in depress and wrinkles skin of the lower face and the mouth. Superficial Neck Muscles.