Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2025

48 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

aspect of the clavicle. Its insertion is on the lateral aspect of the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral aspect of the superior nuchal line of the occiput. 19 Scalene Muscle Group The scalene muscle group consists of three muscles located on the lateral side of the neck. This muscle group plays a vital role in various movements of the neck, and aid as an accessory respiratory muscle group. The three muscles in the group are the anterior, middle and posterior scalene. 1. The anterior scalene originates on the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third through sixth cervical vertebrae and it inserts onto the first rib. 2. The middle scalene originates on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the second through seventh cervical vertebrae and inserts onto the first rib. 3. The posterior scalene originates on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth through seventh cervical vertebrae and inserts onto the second rib. When the scalene muscles contract unilaterally, the function is rotation to the opposite side, lateral flexion to the same side, and elevation of the first rib to help with forced The longus colli is a deep muscle located in the anterior aspect of the vertebral bodies, deep to the trachea and esophagus. The longus colli originates on the bodies of the fifth cervical through third thoracic vertebra, as well as the transverse process of the third through fifth cervical vertebra. This muscle inserts on the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebra and the bodies of second through fourth cervical vertebra, as well as the tubercle on the anterior arch of the atlas. When this muscle contracts bilaterally, it will flex the head and neck. When only one side inhalation. When just the anterior scalene contracts bilaterally, flexion of the neck is produced. [20] Longus Colli

contracts, lateral flexion and rotation to the same side of the head and neck are produced. 20, 21 Longus Capitis The longus capitis is just superficial to longus colli, but still just anterior to the vertebral bodies of the cervical vertebra. This muscle originates on the transverse processes of the third to the sixth cervical vertebrae and inserts onto the inferior aspect of the occiput. When this muscle contracts unilaterally, lateral flexion and rotation of the head and neck to the same side are produced. When it contracts unilaterally, flexion of the head and neck occur. 22 Suboccipitals The suboccipital muscles are a group of small muscles located at the base of the skull, specifically in the suboccipital triangle. These muscles play a crucial role in the movement and stability of the head. The four suboccipital muscles are rectus capitus posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor, oblique capitus superior and oblique capitus inferior. 1. Rectus capitis posterior major originates from the spinous process of the axis (C2) and inserts into the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. When this muscle contracts, extension and rotation of the head to the same side are created. 2. Rectus capitis posterior minor begins on the posterior tubercle of the atlas (C1) and ends on the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. This muscle produces extension of the head. 3. Obliquus capitis superior originates on the transverse process of the atlas (C1) and inserts into the occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines. This muscle produces extension and lateral flexion of the head. 4. Oblique capitis inferior arises from the spinous process of the axis (C2) and inserts into the transverse process of the atlas (C1). When this muscle contracts, extension of the head occurs. 23

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