The sternocleidomastoid is a large, two-headed muscle of the neck. Superficial layer: Trapezius, splenius capitis, splenius cervicisĭeep layer: Cervical transversospinales muscles (semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis)ĭeepest layer: Suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior) Scalene muscles: Anterior scalene, middle scalene, posterior scalene muscles Infrahyoid muscles: Sternohyoid, sternothyroid, thyrohyoid, omohyoidĪnterior vertebral muscles: Rectus capitis, longus capitis, longus colli Suprahyoid muscles: Digastric, mylohyoid, geniohyoid, stylohyoid Superficial muscles: Platysma, sternocleidomastoid This article will introduce you to the anatomy of the muscles of the neck.Ī large group of muscles in the cervical area, responsible for the movement of the head in all directions The muscles of the neck are closely related to a number of important structures that pass between the thorax and the head, including major blood vessels, nerves and elements of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. For example, the muscles in the posterior neck are responsible for extension of the neck. The position of a muscle or group of muscles in the neck generally relates to the function of the muscles. The musculature of the neck is further divided into more specific groups based on a number of determinants including depth, precise location and function. They consist of 3 main groups of muscles: anterior, lateral and posterior groups, based on their position in the neck. These muscles are mainly responsible for the movement of the head in all directions. However, instruction in these techniques requires tuition from a health profession with expertise in breathing disorders and home training.Īt present, little research is available to support breathing re-training for people with bronchiectasis but clinically it is recognised as an important addition to a comprehensive management plan for this group of patients.The muscles of the neck are muscles that cover the area of the neck. Efficient breathing patterns which enhance the use of the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles improve quality of life for people with chronic respiratory conditions (Burgess et al 2011). This disordered breathing pattern inhibits airway clearance therapies, and increase the risk of lower respiratory exacerbations.Ī poor breathing pattern generally results from repetition and muscle memory and is a common scenario for people with chronic respiratory conditions. This may be due to a chronic cough, which engages the accessory muscles of respiration and reinforces a poor breathing pattern, or to patients adapting their breathing pattern so that the cycle of inspiration and expiration occurs above their sputum to prevent a cough. An upper chest breathing pattern is a common presentation for patients with excess sputum. These mechanisms are dependent on airflow from an efficient breathing pattern. In people with COPD or a suppurative lung disease, the removal of sputum is reliant on annular and slug flow along the bronchi, assisted by functioning cilia. In asthma, it is well demonstrated that hyperventilation is a trigger for some individuals (Hough 2001).

These breathing disorders can result from a chronic respiratory condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or a suppurative lung disease.

Two common breathing pattern disorders are hyperventilation and upper chest breathing, both of which utilise the accessory muscles of respiration. However, breathing dysfunction, characterised by excessive recruitment of accessory muscles of respiration at rest, may increase oxygen consumption by up to thirty percent (Berne & Levy 1998). A good breathing pattern, which uses the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles to breathe in and elastic recoil to breathe out, enables the body to function efficiently with minimal oxygen consumption.

Muscles of inspiration