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Sternocleidomastoid
Region: Head & Neck Muscles · All head & neck muscles
Sternocleidomastoid at a glance
| Origin | Manubrium of the sternum and medial clavicle (two heads) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Mastoid process of the temporal bone and lateral superior nuchal line |
| Actions | Turns the head to the opposite side; Tilts the head to the same side; Both sides together flex the neck |
| Nerve supply | Accessory nerve (CN XI), with C2–C3 branches |
◆ Good to know
It divides each side of the neck into anterior and posterior triangles; in congenital torticollis it is shortened, tilting the head toward the affected side.
More Head & Neck Muscles
Please note: This page is an anatomy education summary for students and curious readers, not medical advice. Attachment points are given in their classic short form; individual anatomy varies, and detailed dissection-level descriptions belong in an anatomy atlas.