Definition

Noun: A large, thick, paired muscle in the neck. It runs diagonally from the sternum (breastbone) and clavicle (collarbone) to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the occipital bone at the base of the skull. Its primary functions are to rotate the head to the opposite side and, when both muscles act together, to flex the neck and extend the head.

Usage

The term "sternocleidomastoid" is used in precise anatomical, medical, and biological contexts to refer to this specific neck muscle. It is often abbreviated as SCM.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient reported pain along the right sternocleidomastoid.
  • A tight sternocleidomastoid can contribute to tension headaches.
  • The physical therapist palpated the sternocleidomastoid to assess its tone.

Advanced Usage

• "Sternocleidomastoid muscle": The full anatomical name, often used for absolute clarity.
  • The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a key landmark in neck anatomy.

Variants and Related Words

• SCM: The common abbreviation for sternocleidomastoid.
  • The SCM is innervated by the accessory nerve (CN XI).

Synonyms

• Sternomastoid: A less common, shortened synonym.
  • In some older texts, the muscle is referred to as the sternomastoid.

Noun

1. one of two thick muscles running from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid and occipital bone; turns head obliquely to the opposite side; when acting together they flex the neck and extend the head