GLOSSARY

The muscles of the neck are a group of muscles that move and stabilise the head and neck and are also involved in swallowing, breathing, and speech.

Main Groups

• Superficial muscles: the platysma (under the skin) and sternocleidomastoid (SCM).
• Lateral muscles: the scalene muscles.
• Deep anterior muscles: the longus colli and longus capitis, the deep neck flexors.
• Suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles: involved in swallowing and hyoid movement.
• Posterior muscles: the upper trapezius, splenius, levator scapulae, and the small suboccipital muscles.

Functions

Flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the head and neck, and maintaining the position of the head, which weighs about 4–6 kilograms.

Relevance to Sport and Clinical Application

• Concussion: research suggests a stronger neck may reduce head acceleration on impact and be associated with a lower concussion risk, although the evidence is not yet conclusive.
• High-risk sports: wrestling, American football, rugby, and motorsport require specific neck strengthening.
• Deep flexor weakness: associated with neck pain and headache; the chin tuck exercise is commonly used to strengthen them.
• Whiplash injury: in vehicle accidents and sports collisions.