What is the neck muscle called?

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The long neck muscle is called the sternocleidomastoid. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a long, strap-like muscle on each side of the neck.

Summary

The long neck muscle is called the sternocleidomastoid. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a long, strap-like muscle on each side of the neck.

What it is

  • A long, strap-like muscle on each side of the neck.
  • Named for its three attachments: sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process.
  • Turns the head to the opposite side and bends it toward the same side.

Where it is

  • Runs diagonally from behind the ear to the top of the sternum.
  • Stands out on the front of the neck when the head is turned.
  • Divides the neck into anterior and posterior triangles.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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