Musculus Sternocleidomastoideus (Noun)
Meaning
One of two thick muscles running from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid and occipital bone; turns head obliquely to the opposite side; when acting together they flex the neck and extend the head.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The musculus sternocleidomastoideus is responsible for rotating the head to the side and flexing the neck.
- In anatomy, the musculus sternocleidomastoideus muscles are some of the most superficial and accessible muscles of the neck.
- Upon palpation, the musculus sternocleidomastoideus can be felt as a rope-like structure on either side of the neck.
- The musculus sternocleidomastoideus muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve, which is the eleventh cranial nerve.
- Damage to the musculus sternocleidomastoideus muscle can lead to weakness and limited mobility of the neck and head.