Posterior Neck
Muscle | Attachements | Nerve Supply | Actions | Special Tests |
Levator Scapulae | O: Transverse process of C1- C4 vertebrae I: Superior angle to medial border of scapula | Dorsal Scapular Nerve Cervical ( C3, C4) Nerve | – Elevates scapula | Levator Scapulae Strength and Length Tests |
Splenius Capitus | O: Inferior half of nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7-T3 vertebrae I: Lateral aspect of mastoid process, lateral thirds of superior nuchal line | Posterior Rami of Middle Cervical Spinal Nerves | – Laterally flexes neck – Rotates neck to same side – Extends neck bilaterally | Posterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test |
Splenius Cervicus | O: Spinous Processes of T3-T6 I: Transverse processes of C1 – C3/ C4 vertebrae | Posterior Rami of Middle Cervical Spinal Nerves | Laterally flexes neck – Rotates neck to same side – Extends neck bilaterally | Posterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test |
Suboccipitals (Rectus capitis posterior mj; RCP+, Rectus capitis posterior minor; RCP-, Oblique capitis inferior; OSI, Oblique capitis superior; OCS) | RCP+ O: Spinous process of C2 vertebrae I: Lateral part of inferior nuchal line RCP- O: Posterior arch of C1 vertebrae I: Medial third of inferior nuchal line OCI O: Spinous process of C2 vertebrae I: Transverse process of C1 vertebrae OCS O: Transverse process of C1 I: Occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines | Suboccipital Nerve | – Extend head at C1 – Rotated head at C1 | Sub occipitals Length Test |
Anterior and Lateral Neck
Muscle | Attachements | Nerve Supply | Actions | Special Tests |
Anterior Scalene | O: Transverse processes of C3- C6 I: 1st rib | Cervical Spinal Nerve (C4- C6) | – Flexes neck laterally -Elevates 1st rib during forced inspiration | Anterior Neck Flexors Strength Test, First Rib Mobility Test, Adson’s Test |
Middle Scalene | O: Transverse processes of C2-C7 I: 1st rib | Anterior Rami of cervical spinal nerves C7 and C8 | – Flexes neck laterally – Elevates 1st rib during forced inspiration | Travels Test |
Posterior Scalene | O: Transverse processes of C5-C7 I: 2nd rib | Anterior Rami of cervical spinal nerves C7 and C8 | -Flexes neck laterally – Elevate2nd rib during forced inspiration | Posterior Scalene’s Strength and Length Tests |
Sternocleidomastoid | O: Lateral surface of mastoid process and lateral half of superior nuchal line I:Anterior surface of manubrium of sternum, superior surface of medial third of clavicle | Spinal Accessory Nerve | – Tilts head to same side -Rotates head so face is turned towards opposite side – Extends neck at C0-C1, bilaterally – Flexes cervical vertebrae bilaterally | Anterior Neck Flexors Strength Test, Anterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test, Swallowing Test |
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