Levator scapulae:
- Attached at the top four cervical vertebrae (C1 to C4).
- Runs down the side of the neck to attach at the top of the shoulder blade (scapula).
- It helps with lifting the shoulder blade, bending the neck to the side, and rotating the head.
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM):
- Attached to the mastoid process.
- Travels down the front of the neck to attach at both the sternum and collarbone.
- Depending on whether one or both SCM muscles (one on each side of the neck) are contracted, the head can be rotated to the side or the chin tilted upward.
Trapezius:
- Spans from the base of the skull down the cervical spine and into the lower thoracic spine (mid back), as well as out to the shoulder blade.
- Can be involved in extending the head upward, neck backward, rotating/turning the head, or lifting the shoulder blade.
Erector spinae muscles:
- Run throughout the spine
- Play key roles in posture rotating the neck, and extending the neck backward.
Deep cervical flexors:
- Comprised of longus capitus and longus colli muscles.
- Run down the front of the cervical spine.
- Involved in flexing the neck forward as well as stabilizing the cervical spine.
Suboccipitals:
- Connect the top of the cervical spine with the base of the skull and are important for head extension and rotation.