6 CEUs. 22 Neck Muscles.

The muscles of the neck are a large group of muscles that cover the area of the neck and are responsible for the movement of the head in all directions. They also help with breathing, chewing, swallowing, speaking and making facial expressions. The muscles of the neck can be divided into three main groups based on their location and function:

- Anterior neck muscles: These are the muscles that are located at the front of the neck. They include the platysma, sternocleidomastoid, subclavius, suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles, and the anterior vertebral muscles. These muscles help with flexing the neck, rotating the head, elevating the hyoid bone and larynx, and stabilizing the collarbone.

- Lateral neck muscles: These are the muscles that are located at the sides of the neck. They include the scalene muscles (anterior, middle and posterior). These muscles help with flexing and rotating the neck, and elevating the first and second ribs during inhalation.

- Posterior neck muscles: These are the muscles that are located at the back of the neck. They include the trapezius, splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, cervical transversospinales, and suboccipital muscles. These muscles help with extending and rotating the neck, moving the shoulder blades, and stabilizing the head.