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Deep neck muscles
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Deep neck muscles are divided into lateral and medial (pre-invertebrate) groups.
The lateral group is represented by three staircases. According to their location, the front, middle and back stair muscles are distinguished.
The anterior staircase (m.scalenus anterior) begins on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of III-VI cervical vertebrae; is attached to the hillock of the anterior staircase on I edge.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CV-СVIII).
Blood supply: the ascending cervical artery, the lower thyroid artery.
The middle staircase (m.scalenus medius) begins on the transverse processes of II-VII cervical vertebrae, passes from the top to the bottom and outwards, is attached to the I ribs posteriorly from the sutures of the subclavian artery.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CIII-CIII).
Blood supply: deep cervical and vertebral arteries.
The posterior staircase (m.scalenus posterior) begins at the posterior tubercles of IV-VI cervical vertebrae, is attached to the upper margin and the outer surface of the 2nd rib. This muscle often has an additional deep head, which begins on the transverse process of the VII cervical vertebra.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (СVII-СVIII).
Blood supply: deep cervical artery, transverse artery of the neck, first posterior intercostal artery.
Function: the stair muscles with the strengthened cervical spine raise I and II ribs, contributing to the expansion of the thoracic cavity. With a strengthened thorax, when the ribs are fixed, these muscles, contracting from both sides, bend the cervical spine forward; with one-sided cutting, bend and incline the cervical spine to its side.
The medial (pre-invertebrate) muscle group is located on the anterior surface of the vertebral column on the sides of the median line and is represented by the long muscles of the neck and head, anterior and lateral rectus muscles of the head.
The long neck muscle (m.longus colli) lies to the anterolateral surface of the spine from III thoracic to I cervical vertebra. This muscle is divided into three parts: vertical, lower oblique and upper oblique. The vertical part originates on the front surface of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and three lower cervical vertebrae, runs vertically upward and attaches to the bodies of II-IV cervical vertebrae. The lower oblique part begins on the front surface of the bodies of the first three thoracic vertebrae and attaches to the anterior tubercles of the VI-V cervical vertebrae. The upper oblique part begins on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of III-V cervical vertebrae, rises and is attached to the anterior tubercle I of the cervical vertebra.
Function: bends the cervical part of the spinal column. With one-sided cutting, he tilts his neck in his direction. When the upper oblique part is cut, the head rotates in the same direction, with the lower oblique cut in the opposite direction.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CII-CVI).
Blood supply: vertebral column, ascending cervical and deep cervical artery.
The long muscle of the head (m.longus capitis) begins with four tendon bundles on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the VI-III cervical vertebrae, passes upward and medially; attached to the lower surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone.
Function: tilts the head and cervical spine forward.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CI-CV).
Blood supply: vertebral and deep cervical artery.
The forward rectus muscle of the head (m.rectus capitis anterior) is located deeper than the long muscle of the head. It begins on the front arch of the atlant and is attached to the basilar part of the occipital bone, posteriorly from the place of attachment of the long muscle of the head.
Function: tilts the head forward.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CI-CII).
Blood supply: vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries.
The lateral rectus muscle of the head (m.rectus capitis lateralis) is located outward from the anterior rectus of the head, begins on the transverse process of the atlas, passes upward and attaches to the lateral part of the occipital bone.
Function: tilts the head in its direction, it acts solely on the atlanto-occipital joint.
Innervation: Muscular branches of the cervical plexus (CI).
Blood supply: occipital and vertebral arteries.
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