The neck is made up of a set of muscles that work synergistically and perform important functions of movement and support.
The neck is a region of the body of great importance, as itconnects the head with the chest. Different vascular nerve structures ascend and descend through this area. In addition, like any part of the body, it contains different muscle groups and houses structures of the digestive and respiratory systems, as well as glands of the endocrine system. Let’s look at the anatomy and functions of the neck musculature.
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What is the muscular system?
The human body is made up of a set of more than650 different muscles, whose main function is to generate movement, either voluntarily or involuntarily. They represent approximately 40% of body weight and only with one movement 200 different muscles are used simultaneously.
The muscular system allows the skeleton to move, maintain its stability, and maintain the shape of the body. Although it is normally associated with obvious functions such as movement, it is also responsible for moving blood and promoting motor activity in internal organs, helping other systems such as the digestive and cardiovascular systems.
And that’s not all, it also participates in all postural issues, since it controls the positions that the body has in a state of rest. In turn, it also performs protective functions, since it protects the digestive system and other vital organs.
In today’s article, we will talk about a very important muscle group: the neck muscles. Let’s see the main muscles that form it, what functions they perform and what we can do to take care of them.
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Neck muscles: classification and functions
The neck muscles not only serve the function of joining the head with the rest of the body, but also provide a wide range of movements to the head and neck. Of all the anatomical areas, the neck has the highest muscle-to-surface ratio, and this is not surprising considering that these muscles must hold the weight of the head in place. Similarly,they protect the vascular and nervous structures , as well as the digestive and upper respiratory tract.
The musculature of the neck is very complex and is mainly made up of a large number of muscles that are intertwined with each other. One way to classify them is to take into account their position relative to the cervical vertebrae. For this reason, the muscles of the neck can be classified into muscles of the anterior region of the neck and muscles of the posterior region.
1. Muscles of the anterior region of the neck
They are the ones that are in front of the spine and consequently are located in the front part of the necktag. They are a very powerful group of muscles since their function is to keep the head attached to the neck. Likewise, they are responsible for making the flexion movement of the head, as well as intervening in swallowing and speech. In addition, they sometimes function as accessory muscles of respiration.
1.1. Sternocleidomastoid muscle
It is the largest and mostwell-known muscle inthe neck. It is an even muscle (there is one on each side of the body) and its fame is due to the fact that it is the main engine of the head. When they contract they help to flex the neck and also to rotate it. Likewise, it also has accessory functions of breathing, since it assists the pumping movement of the rib cage during an inspiration.
1.2.Scalene muscles
The scalene muscles are three pairs of muscles found on the sides of the neck. They are responsible for lateral flexion of the neck and for raising the upper ribs, which is why they are also consideredaccessory muscles during inspiration .
1.3.suprahyoid muscles
They are a group of muscles located above the hyoid bone that are involved in chewing, swallowing and phonetics, since they facilitate the Opening of the mouth .
1.4.Infrahyoid Muscles
They are located in the lower region of the hyoid bone and work together to lower the hyoid bone, which is the one that keeps the tongue anchoredtag. They also participate in the flexion of the head and in the lowering of the jaw when the mouth is opened.
1.5.PlaTysma Muscle
It is responsible for raising and tightening the skin of the neck and depressing the corners of the lips and the skin of the chin.
1.6.Long Neck Muscle
It allows the inclination and Flex of the neck.
2. Muscles of the posterior region of the neck
Located at the napeof the neck and behind the shoulders, they are very strong muscles, since they must support the head, which is very heavy (it weighs approximately 7 kilos). Its center of gravity is in front of the cervicals and this causes the cervical spine to risk bending forwards. For this reason, the strong musculature of the neck protects the head from this danger.
2.1. Trapezius muscle
It is one of the most important muscles of the back and practically occupies the center of the spine on both sides. It is responsible forof the arm, as well as the rotation and inclination of the neck. It is also key in stabilizing the shoulder when performing certain movements and also facilitates the retraction of the shoulder blade and the rotation of the scapula.
In turn, it allows the head to bend backwards and to the side.In conjunction with other muscles of the neck, the costal and thoracic region, it facilitates breathing and the flow of inhaled air.
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2.2.Spleniusmuscle
It is a long and wide paired muscle that forms a large “V” and collaborates in the rotational and tilting movement of the head and neck.
23.LevatorScapulae Muscle
It is an elongated and flattened muscle that extends from the angle of the scapula to the cervical area of the spine.It is responsible forInclining the cervical spine and lowering the shoulder.
2.4.posteriorrectus muscle
It fulfills functions of extension and rotation of the head.
2.5.Semispinalismuscles of the neck
These muscles help prevent the skull from falling and even cause the skull to extend over the neck.
2.6.CervicalMultifidus Muscles
They stabilize the vertebrae during local movements of the spine.
The importance of good posture
In recent years, with the use of computers and smartphones, cervical diseases and discomfort have increased.Many people complain of pain in the never after having been working for years with a computer or in front of a desk.
The neck muscles easily suffer from contractures, since they have to work too much when the head posture is incorrect.Typically, the pain is felt at the point where the muscles attach to the skull.
The longer you stay in an unbalanced posture, such as when repeatedly working with a machine, working at a desk or studying, the longer certain muscles remain in tension as the head goes forward and the muscles must support it so that it doesn’t fall.This causes the muscles to gradually harden and form small nodules, commonly known as contractures.
These muscle contractures often cause Back Painthat can be very persistent.When this happens in the muscles of the neck, its mobility is reduced and the cervicals are brought forward and to the side.This causes the muscle mass to be totally unbalanced and the head does not maintain its floating balance.A vicious circle is generated: The pain in the neck causes the head to be held more rigidly, which further tenses the muscles.
On the other hand, the anterior musculature, flexor of the neck, which prevents the head from falling forward weakens more and more. This causes anterior and posterior muscles to be unbalanced, causing more contractures, premature wear, pain and discomfort.
Most often,psychological problemsare the cause of these contractures. On the shoulders, the weight of problems, work or school pressures, fear of failure and stress fall very hard.
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How can we take care of the muscles of our neck?
There are a number of preventive measures to helpreduce cervical contracturesor neck stiffness. These are as follows:
- Try to maintain an upright posture during the day avoiding push-ups, especially excessive push-ups backwards.
- When reading, driving or doing manual work, you have to support your head and take many breaks during work.
- For writing, an inclined plane placed on top of the desk can be used.
- When riding a bicycle, the handlebars should be raised so that the entire spine, especially the back of the neck, is in a straight line.
- When walking or running, it is recommended to look forward, everything lowering the chin avoiding raising it.
- Avoid making sudden head turns.
- Work above head height should be avoided. It is always better to use a ladder or a chair.
- You have to avoid the first rows in the theater, in the cinema or at conferences.
- It is recommended to periodically train the neck muscles and all other supporting muscles.
References
- Tortora, J. G., Derrickson B. (2013). “Principles of anatomy and physiology”. Editorial Médica Panamericana.
- Höfler H. (1999). “Solve your cervical problems.” Editorial Hispano Europea
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.