frontalis: supraorbital and supratrochlear aa.; occipitalis: occipital a. frontalis: supraorbital and supratrochlear aa.; occipitalis: occipital a.
Muscles of the Head and Neck - Listed Alphabetically
Muscle
Origin
Insertion
Action
Innervation
Artery
Notes
anterior scalene
anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6
scalene tubercle of the first rib
elevates the first rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C5-C7
ascending cervical a., a branch of the thyrocervical trunk
a muscle of inspiration; an important landmark of the neck; it is located between the subclavian vein and the subclavian artery; the roots of the brachial plexus pass posterior to it; the phrenic nerve crosses its anterior surface (Greek, scalene = uneven)
aryepiglottic
apex (superior part) of the arytenoid cartilage
epiglottis
draws the epiglottis posteriorly and downward during swallowing
inferior laryngeal nerve, from recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the
of vagus (X)
laryngeal br. of the superior thyroid a.
the mucosa is raised by the underlying aryepiglottic m. to form the aryepiglottic
fold
arytenoid, oblique
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
posterior surface of the contralateral arytenoid cartilage, near its apex
draws arytenoid cartilages together, adducting the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the
of vagus (X)
laryngeal br. of the superior thyroid a.
the oblique arytenoid m. lies posterior to the transverse arytenoid m.; the arytenoideus is often considered to be one muscle with oblique and transverse fibers (
arytenoid, transverse
posterior surface of the arytenoid cartilage
posterior surface of the contralateral arytenoid cartilage
draws arytenoid cartilages together, adducting the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the
vagus nerve (X)
laryngeal br. of the superior thyroid a.
the transverse arytenoid m.lies anterior to the oblique arytenoid m.; the
arytenoideus is often considered to be one muscle with oblique and transverse
parts
auricular
anterior: galea aponeurotica anterior to ear; superior: galea aponeurotica
superior to ear; posterior: mastoid process
auricle anteriorly, superiorly and posteriorly
wiggle the ears
anterior & superior: temporal branches of facial nerve (VII); posterior:
posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (VII)
superficial temporal a., posterior auricular a.
the auricular muscles are derived from the mesenchyme of the second pharyngeal
arch, as are the muscles of facial expression
buccinator
pterygomandibular raphe, mandible, and the maxilla lateral to the molar
teeth
angle of mouth and the lateral portion of the upper and lower lips
pulls the corner of mouth laterally; presses the cheek against the teeth
buccal branches of the facial nerve (VII)
facial a.
although the buccinator is important in mastication, it is innervated by the buccal branch of the facial nerve and NOT by the buccal nerve from V3 (a sensory nerve) (Latin, buccinator = trumpeter)
chondroglossus
medial side of the lesser horn and body of the hyoid bone
ascends to blend with the intrinsic tongue musculature
pulls the sides of the tongue down
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
chondroglossus is often considered to be part of the hyoglossus muscle
ciliary
meridional fibers: scleral spur; circular fibers: encircle the ciliary process
meridional fibers: ciliary process; circular fibers: encircle the ciliary
process
relaxes the suspensory ligament of the lens
parasympathetic fibers in the oculomotor nerve (III), synapsing in the ciliary
ganglion
ophthalmic a.
relaxation of the suspensory ligament allows the lens to thicken for accommodation
(near vision)
constrictor, inferior pharyngeal
oblique line of the thyroid cartilage, lateral surface of cricoid cartilage
midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus, with aid from the superior laryngeal
and recurrent laryngeal nerves
ascending pharyngeal a., superior thyroid a., inferior thyroid a.
the most external of the three pharyngeal constructor mm.
constrictor, middle pharyngeal
lesser and greater horns of the hyoid bone and the inferior part of the
stylohyoid ligament
midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts the pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
of the three pharyngeal constrictors, this one is intermediate in both superior/inferior
position and depth
constrictor, superior pharyngeal
medial pterygoid plate, pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, mylohyoid
line of mandible
pharyngeal tubercle and midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts the pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
the most internal of the three pharyngeal constructor mm.
corrugator
medial part of the supercillary arch
skin of the medial half of the eyebrow
pulls eyebrows together medially
temporal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
supratrochlear a.
this muscle causes the furrowed brow of the worried look (Latin, corrugator= to wrinkle)
cricoarytenoid, lateral
arch of the cricoid cartilage
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
draws the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage anteriorly, which
pivots the arytenoid cartilage and adducts the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of
the vagus nerve (X)
superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a.
an antagonist of the posterior cricoarytenoid m.; the arteries that supply
the larynx anastomose within the larynx to supply the mucous membranes and
muscles
cricoarytenoid, posterior
posterior surface of the lamina of the cricoid cartilage
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
draws the muscular process posteriorly, which pivots the arytenoid cartilage
and abducts the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of
the vagus nerve (X)
superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a.
the posterior cricoarytenoid is the only ABductor of the vocal folds; the
arteries that supply the larynx anastomose within the larynx to supply the
mucous membranes and muscles
cricopharyngeus
lateral surface of the cricoid cartilage
midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts the pharyngeal cavity and the entrance to the esophagus
recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve (X)
cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a., ascending pharyngeal a.
cricopharyngeus represents the lowest fibers of the inferior pharyngeal
constrictor; it is continuous with the esophagus below and marks the beginning
of it
cricothyroid
arch of the cricoid cartilage
inferior border of the thyroid cartilage
draws the thyroid cartilage forward, lengthening the vocal ligaments
external branch of superior laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve
(X)
cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a.
this is the only intrinsic muscle of the larynx that is not supplied by
the recurrent laryngeal n.; ALL other laryngeal muscles are innervated by recurrent
laryngeal nerve, via its inferior laryngeal branch
depressor anguli oris
oblique line of the mandible
angle of the mouth
pulls the corner of the mouth downward
marginal mandibular & buccal branches of the facial nerve (VII)
inferior labial branch of the facial a., mental a.
a "frown" muscle
depressor labii inferioris
anterior surface of the mandible
skin of the lower lip
depresses the lower lip
marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (VII)
inferior labial branch of the facial a., mental a.
this muscle is used to bare the lower incisor teeth
depressor septi
maxilla near the midline above the incisor teeth
nasal septum
depresses the nasal septum; involved in flaring the nostrils
buccal branch of facial nerve (VII)
superior labial branch of the facial a.
depressor septi is considered a part of the nasalis m.
digastric
anterior belly: digastric fossa of the mandible; posterior belly: mastoid
notch of the temporal bone
body of the hyoid via a fibrous loop over an intermediate tendon
elevates the hyoid bone; depresses the mandible
anterior belly: mylohyoid nerve, from the mandibular division of the trigeminal
nerve (V); posterior belly: facial nerve (VII)
anterior belly: submental a.; posterior belly: occipital a.
the digastric m. forms two sides of the submandibular triangle; it is formed
from mesenchyme derived from the first two pharyngeal arches, hence its dual
innervation
dilator pupillae
outer margin of iris
inner margin of iris
dilates the pupil
sympathetic fibers via short ciliary nerves, synapsing in superior cervical
sympathetic ganglion
ophthalmic a.
none
epicranius
frontalis: galea aponeurotica; occipitalis: superior nuchal line
frontalis: skin of the eyebrows; occipitalis: galea aponeurotica
elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead
frontalis: temporal branches of the facial nerve (VII); occipitalis: posterior
auricular branch of the facial nerve (VII)
the frontalis and occipitalis muscles are two bellies of the epicranius
muscle; also known as: occipitofrontalis m.
frontalis
galea aponeurotica
skin of the eyebrow
elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead
temporal branches of the facial nerve (VII)
supraorbital and supratrochlear aa.
frontalis is the anterior belly of the epicranius muscle
genioglossus
mental spine on the inner aspect of the mental symphysis
fans out to insert into the tongue from the tip to the base
protrudes the tongue (inferior fibers); depresses tongue (middle fibers)
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
an extrinsic muscle of the tongue; XII innervates all tongue muscles except
palatoglossus [innervated by vagus (X), as are most of the palate and pharynx
muscles]; genioglossus is used to test the function of cranial nerve XII
geniohyoid
mental spines of the mandible
body of the hyoid bone
elevates the hyoid bone; depresses the mandible
ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1 via fibers carried by the hypoglossal
nerve
lingual a., submental a.
thyrohyoid and geniohyoid receive ansa cervicalis fibers that travel with
the hypoglossal nerve distal to the superior limb of the ansa cervicalis
hyoglossus
upper border of the greater horn of the hyoid and body of the hyoid bone
spreads out into the intrinsic muscles of the tongue
depresses the sides of the tongue; retracts the tongue
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
an extrinsic muscle of the tongue
inferior oblique
floor of the orbit lateral to the lacrimal groove
sclera on the inferior surface of the eyeball
elevates and abducts the corneal part of the eye; rotates the superior pole
of the iris laterally; when the eye is adducted, this muscle elevates the cornea
oculomotor nerve (III), inferior division
ophthalmic a.
clinicians examining the eye will ask the patient to look toward the bridge
of the nose to test the function of this muscle
inferior pharyngeal constrictor
oblique line of the thyroid cartilage, lateral surface of cricoid cartilage
midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus, with aid from the superior laryngeal
and recurrent laryngeal nerves
ascending pharyngeal a., superior thyroid a., inferior thyroid a.
the most external of the three pharyngeal constructor mm.
inferior rectus
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the inferior surface of the eyeball
depresses and adducts the corneal part of the eyeball; rotates the superior
pole of the iris laterally
oculomotor nerve (III), inferior division
ophthalmic a.
because this muscle approaches the eyeball from a medial direction, it has
a rotational action on the iris
lateral cricoarytenoid
arch of the cricoid cartilage
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
draws the muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage anteriorly, which
pivots the arytenoid cartilage and adducts the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of
the vagus nerve (X)
superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a.
an antagonist of the posterior cricoarytenoid m.; the arteries that supply
the larynx anastomose within the larynx to supply the mucous membranes and
muscles
lateral pterygoid
superior head: greater wing of the sphenoid bone; inferior head: lateral
surface of the lateral pterygoid plate
superior head: capsule and & articular disk of the temporomandibular joint;
inferior head: neck of the mandible
protracts the mandible; opens the mouth; active in grinding actions of chewing
lateral pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
pterygoid branch of the maxillary a.
the only one of the muscles of mastication that opens the mouth; the superior head of lateral pterygoid is sometimes called sphenomeniscus due to its insertion into the disc of the temporomandibular joint (Greek, pterygoid = wing-shaped)
lateral rectus
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the lateral surface of the eyeball
abducts the corneal part of the eyeball
abducens nerve (VI)
ophthalmic a.
loss of function of the abducens nerve will cause the eye to be abducted
levator anguli oris
canine fossa of the maxilla
angle (corner) of the mouth
elevates the angle of the mouth
buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
infraorbital a., superior labial branch of the facial a.
a "smile" muscle
levator labii superioris
inferior margin of the orbit
skin of the upper lip
elevates the upper lip
buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
infraorbital a., superior labial branch of the facial a.
levator labii superioris is used to bare the upper incisor teeth, as in a sneer (Latin, levator = to lift + labial = lips)
levator labii superioris alaque nasi
frontal process of the maxilla
ala of the nose and skin of the upper lip
elevates the upper lip and flares the nostril
buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
infraorbital a., superior labial branch of the facial a.
(Latin, levator = to lift + labial = lips)
levator palpebrae superioris
apex of the orbit above the optic canal
skin and fascia of upper eyelid and the superior tarsal plate
elevates the upper eyelid
oculomotor nerve (III) and sympathetics (to the superior tarsal portion)
ophthalmic a.
fibers inserting into the superior tarsal plate are called superior tarsal muscle and are smooth muscle; lesion of the sympathetic supply causes slight ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) (Latin, levator = to lift + palpebrae = eyelid)
levator scapulae
transverse processes of C1-4 vertebrae
medial border of the scapula from the superior angle to the spine
elevates scapula
dorsal scapular nerve (C5); the upper part of the muscle receives branches
of C3 & C4 spinal nerves
dorsal scapular a.
named for its action (Latin, levator = to lift)
levator veli palatini
apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone and the medial surface of
the auditory tube cartilage
muscles and fascia of the soft palate; palatine aponeurosis
elevates the soft palate
vagus nerve (X) via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
a derivative of the fourth pharyngeal arch (Latin, levator = to lift)
linguae, longitudinalis
within tongue
within tongue near the apex
shapes the tongue for speech and mastication
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
an intrinsic muscle of the tongue; longitudinalis has superior and inferior
subdivisions that span the length of the tongue
linguae, transversus
within tongue
within tongue
compresses the sides of the tongue; shapes the tongue for speech and mastication
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
an intrinsic muscle of the tongue whose fibers run transversely
linguae, verticalis
within tongue
within tongue
shapes the tongue for speech and mastication
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
lingual a.
an intrinsic muscle of the tongue whose fibers run superoinferiorly
longus capitis
anterior tubercles of vertebrae C3-6
basilar portion of the occipital bone
flex the head and neck
cervical plexus, ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-4
deep cervical a.
none
longus colli
anterior tubercles and anterior surfaces of the bodies of vertebrae C3-T3
anterior arch of atlas, anterior tubercles of C5-6, anterior surfaces of
bodies of vertebrae C2-4
flex neck, rotate and laterally bend neck
cervical and brachial plexus, C2-7
deep cervical a.
none
masseter
zygomatic arch and zygomatic bone
lateral surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
elevates the mandible
nerve to the masseter, from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
masseteric branch of the maxillary a.
(Greek, masseter = the chewer)
medial pterygoid
medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate, pyramidal process of the
palatine bone, tuberosity of the maxilla
medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
elevates and protracts the mandible
medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
pterygoid branch of the maxillary a.
this muscle mirrors the masseter m. in position and action with the ramus of the mandible between the two mm. (Greek, pterygoid = wing-shaped)
medial rectus
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the medial surface of the eyeball
adducts the corneal part of the eyeball
oculomotor nerve (III) (inferior division)
ophthalmic a.
this muscle directly opposes the action of the lateral rectus m.
mentalis
anterior surface of the mandible near the mental symphysis (midline)
skin of the chin
elevates the lower lip and skin of chin
marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (VII)
mental a., inferior labial branch of the facial a.
middle pharyngeal constrictor
lesser and greater horns of the hyoid bone and the inferior part of the
stylohyoid ligament
midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts the pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
of the three pharyngeal constrictors, this one is intermediate in both superior/inferior
position and depth
middle scalene
posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C2-C7
upper surface of the first rib behind the subclavian artery
elevates the first rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C3-C8
ascending cervical a.
a muscle of respiration (inspiratory); also called scalenus medius; penetrated by the dorsal scapular n. and long thoracic n. (Greek, scalene = uneven)
musculus uvulae
posterior nasal spine
mucosa of the uvula
shortens the uvula
vagus nerve (X) via pharyngeal plexus
lesser palatine a.
the soft palate and uvula resist the upward pressure of the tongue during
swallowing
mylohyoid
mylohyoid line of mandible
midline raphe and body of the hyoid bone
elevates the hyoid bone and the tongue; depresses the mandible
mylohyoid nerve from the inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of the mandibular
division of the trigeminal nerve (V)
mylohyoid branch of the inferior alveolar a.
the nerve to mylohyoid also innervates the anterior belly of digastric m.;
both muscles are derivatives of the second pharygneal arch
nasalis
maxilla above the incisor teeth and the canine teeth
ala of the nose and midline aponeurosis
flattens the nose, flare the nostrils
buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
superior labial branch of the facial a.
nasalis has two subsidiary parts: nasalis pars alaris and pars transversa
nasalis pars alaris
maxilla above the canine teeth
ala of the nose
flares the nostrils
buccal branch of facial nerve (VII)
superior labial branch of the facial a.
a subdivision of the nasalis m. (Latin, pars = a part)
nasalis pars transversa
maxilla above the incisor teeth
midline aponeurosis
flattens the nose
buccal branch of facial nerve (VII)
superior labial branch of the facial a.
a subdivision of the nasalis m. (Latin, pars = a part)
oblique arytenoid
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
posterior surface of the contralateral arytenoid cartilage, near its apex
draws arytenoid cartilages together, adducting the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the
of vagus (X)
laryngeal br. of the superior thyroid a.
the oblique arytenoid m. lies posterior to the transverse arytenoid m.;
the arytenoideus is often considered to be one muscle with oblique and transverse
fibers
oblique, inferior
floor of the orbit lateral to the lacrimal groove
sclera on the inferior surface of the eyeball
elevates and abducts the corneal part of the eye; rotates the superior pole
of the iris laterally; when the eye is adducted, this muscle elevates the cornea
oculomotor nerve (III), inferior division
ophthalmic a.
clinicians examining the eye will ask the patient to look toward the bridge
of the nose to test the function of this muscle
oblique, superior
apex of the orbit above the optic canal
sclera on the posterior superior surface of the eyeball
depresses and abducts the eyeball; rotates the superior pole of the iris
medially
trochlear nerve (IV)
ophthalmic a.
passes through a fibrocartilagenous pulley known as the trochlea; when the
eye is adducted, this muscle moves the cornea inferiorly
occipitalis
superior nuchal line
galea aponeurotica
pulls the scalp posteriorly; elevates the eyebrows
posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (VII)
occipital a.
occipitalis is the posterior belly of the epicranius muscle
occipitofrontalis
frontalis: galea aponeurotica; occipitalis: superior nuchal line
frontalis: skin of the eyebrows; occipitalis: galea aponeurotica
elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead
frontalis: temporal branches of the facial nerve (VII); occipitalis: posterior
auricular branch of the facial nerve (VII)
the frontalis and occipitalis muscles are two bellies of the occipitofrontalis
muscle; also known as: epicranius m.
omohyoid
inferior belly: upper border of the scapula medial to the scapular notch;
superior belly: intermediate tendon
inferior belly: intermediate tendon; superior belly: lower border of the
hyoid bone lateral to the sternohyoid insertion
depresses/stabilizes the hyoid bone
ansa cervicalis
transverse cervical a.
the intermediate tendon of omohyoid is tethered to the clavicle by a fascial
sling
orbicularis oculi
orbital part: medial orbital margin and the medial palpebral ligament; palpebral
part: medial palpebral ligament
orbital part: skin of the lateral cheek; palpebral part: lateral palpebral
raphe
closes the eyelids
temporal & zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (VII)
supraorbital a., supratrochlear a., infraorbital a., angular branch of the
facial a.
activated involuntarily in the blink reflex; the palpebral part is active
in normal blinking and the orbital part is used to forcefully close the eye
orbicularis oris
skin and fascia of lips and the area surrounding the lips
skin and fascia of the lips
purses the lips
buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
superior and inferior labial branches of the facial a., mental a., infraorbital
a.
the "kissing" muscle
palatoglossus
palatine aponeurosis
side of the tongue, entering it from above
elevates and retracts the tongue
vagus nerve (X) via the pharyngeal plexus
tonsilar branch of the facial a., ascending pharyngeal a.
although palatoglossus sounds like a tongue muscle (and would therefore
be innervated by XII), it is a palatal muscle innervated by X
palatopharyngeus
posterior margin of the bony palate and the palatine aponeurosis
posterior wall of the pharynx and the posterior margin of the thyroid cartilage
elevates the larynx
vagus nerve (X) via pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
palatopharyngeus is part of the inner longitudinal muscle layer of the pharynx
platysma
fascia overlying the pectoralis major and deltoid muscles
inferior border of the mandible and skin of lower face
draws the corners of the mouth down; it aids in depression of the mandible
cervical branch of the facial nerve (VII)
facial a.
platysma is derived from the mesenchyme of the second pharyngeal arch (Greek, platysma = a flat plate)
posterior cricoarytenoid
posterior surface of the lamina of the cricoid cartilage
muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage
draws the muscular process posteriorly, which pivots the arytenoid cartilage
and abducts the vocal folds
inferior laryngeal nerve, from the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of
the vagus nerve (X)
superior laryngeal a., cricothyroid branch of the superior thyroid a.
the posterior cricoarytenoid is the only ABductor of the vocal folds; the
arteries that supply the larynx anastomose within the larynx to supply the
mucous membranes and muscles
posterior scalene
posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C7
lateral surface of the second rib
elevates the second rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C7-C8
ascending cervical a.
a muscle of respiration (inspiratory); it is the longest of the scalene muscles (Greek, scalene = uneven)
procerus
nasal bone
skin between the eyebrows
depresses the medial corners of the eyebrows
temporal branch of the facial nerve (VII)
supratrochlear a.
(Latin, procerus = long and streched out)
pterygoid, lateral
superior head: greater wing of the sphenoid bone; inferior head: lateral
surface of the lateral pterygoid plate
superior head: capsule and & articular disk of the temporomandibular joint;
inferior head: neck of the mandible
protracts the mandible; opens the mouth; active in grinding actions of chewing
lateral pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
pterygoid branch of the maxillary a.
the only one of the muscles of mastication that opens the mouth; the superior head of lateral pterygoid is sometimes called sphenomeniscus due to its insertion into the disc of the temporomandibular joint (Greek, pterygoid = wing-shaped)
pterygoid, medial
medial surface of the lateral pterygoid plate, pyramidal process of the
palatine bone, tuberosity of the maxilla
medial surface of the ramus and angle of the mandible
elevates and protracts the mandible
medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
pterygoid branch of the maxillary a.
this muscle mirrors the masseter m. in position and action with the ramus of the mandible between the two mm. (Greek, pterygoid = wing-shaped)
pupillae, dilator
outer margin of iris
inner margin of iris
dilates the pupil
sympathetic fibers via short ciliary nerves, synapsing in superior cervical
sympathetic ganglion
ophthalmic a.
none
pupillae, sphincter
encircles iris
encircles iris
constricts the pupil
parasympathetic fibers of oculomotor nerve (III), synapsing in ciliary ganglion
ophthalmic a.
none
rectus capitis anterior
lateral mass of atlas
basilar portion of occipital bone
flexes the head
ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1
deep cervical a.
none
rectus capitis lateralis
transverse process of atlas
occipital bone anterolateral to foramen magnum
laterally bends the head
ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve C1
deep cervical a.
none
rectus, inferior
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the inferior surface of the eyeball
depresses and adducts the corneal part of the eyeball; rotates the superior
pole of the iris laterally
oculomotor nerve (III), inferior division
ophthalmic a.
because this muscle approaches the eyeball from a medial direction, it has
a rotational action on the iris
rectus, lateral
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the lateral surface of the eyeball
abducts the corneal part of the eyeball
abducens nerve (VI)
ophthalmic a.
loss of function of the abducens nerve will cause the eye to be abducted
rectus, medial
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the medial surface of the eyeball
adducts the corneal part of the eyeball
oculomotor nerve (III) (inferior division)
ophthalmic a.
this muscle directly opposes the action of the lateral rectus m.
rectus, superior
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the superior surface of the eyeball
elevates and adducts the eyeball; rotates the superior pole of the iris
medially
oculomotor nerve (III), superior division
ophthalmic a.
because this muscle approaches the eye from a medial position, it causes
the iris to rotate medially
risorius
fascia of the lateral cheek
skin of the angle (corner) of the mouth
draws the corner of the mouth laterally
buccal branches of the facial nerve (VII)
transverse facial a., facial a.
risorius is active in expressions of mirth (Latin, risorius = to laugh)
salpingopharyngeus
inferior surface of the anteromedial end of the auditory tube cartilage
pharyngeal wall and superior border of the thyroid cartilage along with
the palatopharyngeus m.
elevates the larynx
vagus nerve (X) via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
like other muscles of the pharyngeal wall, salpingopharyngeus is derived
from the fourth pharyngeal arch
scalene, anterior
anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3-C6
scalene tubercle of the first rib
elevates the first rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C5-C7
ascending cervical a., a branch of the thyrocervical trunk
a muscle of inspiration; an important landmark of the neck; it is located between the subclavian vein and the subclavian artery; the roots of the brachial plexus pass posterior to it; the phrenic nerve crosses its anterior surface (Greek, scalene = uneven)
scalene, middle
posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C2-C7
upper surface of the first rib behind the subclavian artery
elevates the first rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C3-C8
ascending cervical a.
a muscle of respiration (inspiratory); also called scalenus medius; penetrated by the dorsal scapular n. and long thoracic n. (Greek, scalene = uneven)
scalene, posterior
posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C5-C7
lateral surface of the second rib
elevates the second rib; flexes and laterally bends the neck
brachial plexus, C7-C8
ascending cervical a.
a muscle of respiration (inspiratory); it is the longest of the scalene muscles (Greek, scalene = uneven)
sphenomeniscus
greater wing of the sphenoid
capsule and articular disk of the temporomandibular joint
pulls the articular disk forward in opening of the mouth
lateral pterygoid branch of mandibular division of trigeminal nerve (V)
pterygoid branch of the maxillary a.
sphenomeniscus is another name for the superior belly of the lateral pterygoid
m.
sphincter pupillae
encircles iris
encircles iris
constricts the pupil
parasympathetic fibers of oculomotor nerve (III), synapsing in ciliary ganglion
ophthalmic a.
none
splenius
ligamentum nuchae and spines C7-T6
capitis: mastoid process & superior nuchal line laterally; cervicis: posterior
tubercles of C1-3
extends and laterally bends neck and head; rotates head to same side
dorsal primary rami of spinal nerves C2-6
supplied segmentally by: deep cervical a., posterior intercostal aa.
it gets its name from its broad, flat shape (Greek, splenius = a bandage)
stapedius
walls of the pyramidal eminence
neck of the stapes
dampens vibration of the stapes
facial nerve (VII)
anterior tympanic a.
entirely enclosed in bone, except for its tendon; a derivative of the second pharyngeal arch
sternocleidomastoid
sternal head: anterior surface of the manubrium; clavicular head: medial
1/3rd of the clavicle
mastoid process and lateral 1/2 of the superior nuchal line
draws the mastoid process down toward the same side which causes the chin
to turn up toward the opposite side; acting together, the muscles of the two
sides flex the neck
spinal accessory nerve (XI), with sensory supply from C2 & C3 (for proprioception)
sternocleidomastoid branch of the occipital a.
carotid sheath structures lie deep to it
sternohyoid
posterior surfaces of both the manubrium and sternal end of the clavicle
lower border of the hyoid bone, medial to the omohyoid m. insertion
depresses/stabilizes the hyoid bone
ansa cervicalis
superior thyroid a.
sternohyoid overlies the sternothyroid and thyrohyoid mm.
sternothyroid
posterior surface of the manubrium below the origin of the sternohyoid m.
oblique line of the thyroid cartilage
depresses/stabilizes the hyoid bone
ansa cervicalis
superior thyroid a.
sternothyroid lies deep to the sternohyoid m.
styloglossus
anterior side of the styloid process
posterolateral side of the tongue
retracts and elevates the tongue
hypoglossal nerve (XII)
ascending pharyngeal a., ascending palatine branch of the facial a.
an extrinsic muscle of the tongue
stylohyoid
posterior side of the styloid process
splits around the intermediate tendon of the digastric m. to insert on the
body of the hyoid bone
elevates and retracts the hyoid bone
facial nerve (VII)
ascending pharyngeal a.
facial nerve innervates both the stylohyoid m. and the posterior belly of
the digastric m. shortly after exiting from the stylomastoid foramen
stylopharyngeus
medial side of the styloid process
superior border of the thyroid cartilage and also into the pharyngeal wall
elevates the larynx
glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
ascending pharyngeal a.
stylopharyngeus, the only muscle innervated by IX, is the only muscle of
the pharyngeal wall NOT innervated by the vagus (X) nerve; it is a derivative
of the third pharyngeal arch
superior oblique
apex of the orbit above the optic canal
sclera on the posterior superior surface of the eyeball
depresses and abducts the eyeball; rotates the superior pole of the iris
medially
trochlear nerve (IV)
ophthalmic a.
passes through a fibrocartilagenous pulley known as the trochlea; when the
eye is adducted, this muscle moves the cornea inferiorly
superior pharyngeal constrictor
medial pterygoid plate, pterygoid hamulus, pterygomandibular raphe, mylohyoid
line of mandible
pharyngeal tubercle and midline pharyngeal raphe
constricts the pharyngeal cavity
vagus (X), via the pharyngeal plexus
ascending pharyngeal a.
the most internal of the three pharyngeal constructor mm.
superior rectus
common tendinous ring at the apex of the orbit
sclera on the superior surface of the eyeball
elevates and adducts the eyeball; rotates the superior pole of the iris
medially
oculomotor nerve (III), superior division
ophthalmic a.
because this muscle approaches the eye from a medial position, it causes
the iris to rotate medially
temporalis
temporal fossa and the temporal fascia
coronoid process of the mandible and the anterior surface of the ramus of
the mandible
elevates the mandible; retracts the mandible (posterior fibers)
anterior and posterior deep temporal nerves from the mandibular division
of the trigeminal nerve (V)
anterior and posterior deep temporal aa.
a powerful chewing muscle; a derivative of the first pharyngeal arch
tensor tympani
cartilagenous auditory tube and the greater wing of the sphenoid bone which
lies adjacent to it
manubrium of the malleus
dampens vibrations of the tympanic membrane
medial pterygoid branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve
(V)
superior tympanic branch of the middle meningeal a.
V3 innervates both tensor muscles of the head (tympani and veli palatini) which are derivatives of the first pharyngeal arch
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER:The contents are under continuing development and improvements and despite all efforts may contain errors of omission or fact. This is not to be used for the assessment, diagnosis or management of patients. It should not be regarded as medical advice by healthcare workers or laypeople. It is for educational purposes only. Please adhere to your local protocols. Use the BNF for drug information. If you are unwell please seek urgent healthcare advice. If you do not accept this then please do not use the website. Makindo Ltd |
Anatomy of the Muscles of the Head and Neck
-
| About | Anaesthetics and Critical Care | Anatomy | Basic Science | Biochemistry | Cardiology | Cases | Clinical Cases | Crib | Dentistry | Dermatology | Differentials | Drugs | ENT | Electrocardiogram | Embryology | Emergency Medicine | Endocrinology | Ethics | Foundation Doctors | Gastroenterology | General Information | General Practice | Genetics | Geriatric Medicine | Guidelines | Haematology | Hepatology | Immunology | Infectious Disease | Infectious Diseases | Infographic | Investigations | Lists | Microbiology | Miscellaneous | Nephrology | Neuroanatomy | Neurology | Nutrition | OSCE | Obstetrics Gynaecology | Oncology | Ophthalmology | Oral Medicine | Paediatrics | Palliative | Pathology | Pharmacology | Physiology | Procedures | Psychiatry | Radiology | Research | Respiratory | Resuscitation | Rheumatology | Statistics | Stroke | Surgery | Surgical | Toxicology | Trauma and Orthopaedics | Twitter | Urology | Version Jan 2023