MUSCLE OF THE MONTH; MARCH

Sternocleidomastoid

A two-headed muscle is located on the front and side of the neck. It starts from the top of the sternum (manubrium) and the middle portion of the clavicle and it ends just behind and below the ear canal (the mastoid process of the temporal bone). It shortens and lengthens as you tilt your head side to side, nod up and down and look side to side.

It also stabilizes your head as you walk and perform other physical tasks.

The muscle begins at the base of your skull (Mastoid bone), behind your ear on either side, and extends downward all the way to the top of your collar bone (Sternum and Clavicle), on each side.

Why it is important

responsible for the majority of head movements of the neck.

Function

Simultaneous contraction of both muscles causes flexion or extension of the neck. Unilateral contraction rotates the head towards the opposite shoulder or tilts the head (laterally flexes) towards the same shoulder.

Exercise/Movements to stretch/strengthen

• Standing Levator Scapula Stretch

• Seated Levator Scapula Stretch, etc.

Interesting facts

From Greek Sterno=meaning sternum + Greek Kleis meaning clavicle + Greek mastoids meaning breast (due to shape of the mastoid process)