The trapezius is a three-part (tripartite) muscle of the upper back extending from the base of the skull all the way to the lower thoracic spine and laterally from the clavicle to the entire length of the spine of the scapula. Together the two trapezii form a diamond or kite-shaped trapezoid from which the muscle … Read more
The levator scapulae is a muscle located on each side of the neck, situated posteriorly (in the back). It is named for its action in elevating or “lifting” the scapula and the word levator is the latin word for “to lift”. This muscle is like the over-worked back-stage prop guy of the neck. Always in … Read more
The masseter is a jaw muscle that gets its name from the Greek work “to chew”. It is the major muscle of mastication (chewing) of the human jaw and serves primarily to elevate the mandible (lower jaw) while the deep tissues help to protrude (protract) it forward. Although we rarely think of it, the mandible … Read more
The temporalis muscle is a large, thin fan-shaped muscle located in the side of the skull above and in front of the ear. It is a muscle of mastication and its role is similar to the masseter, which is to elevate the mandible (lower jaw) and so close the mouth. Although the masseter is the more powerful … Read more
The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a muscle of the neck so-named because it originates on the sternum (sterno) and the clavicle (cleido) and inserts on the mastoid process (mastoid) which is an easily located bony prominence behind the ear (The mastoid process also serves as an attachment for the posterior belly of the digastric, splenius capitis, and longissimus … Read more