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Neck muscles 

This is a table of muscles of the human anatomy.

There are approximately 640 skeletal muscles within the typical human, and almost every muscle constitutes one part of a pair of identical bilateral muscles, found on both sides, resulting in approximately 320 pairs of muscles, as presented in this article. Nevertheless, the exact number is difficult to define because different sources group muscles differently, e.g. regarding what is defined as different parts of a single muscle or as several muscles. Examples range from 640 to 850[1].

The action refers to the action of each muscle from the standard anatomical position. In other positions, other actions may be performed.

Contents

Muscles of head and neck: the head

Scalp/Eyelid

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
occipitofrontalis 2 occipital bellies and 2 frontal bellies. galea aponeurotica facial nerve raises the eyebrows
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
occipitalis superior nuchal line of the occipital bone
mastoid part of the temporal		 galea aponeurotica occipital artery posterior auricular nerve (facial nerve) wrinkles brow
frontalis galea aponeurotica Mastoid process ophthalmic artery facial nerve wrinkles brow
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
orbicularis oculi frontal bone; medial palpebral ligament; lacrimal bone lateral palpebral raphe ophthalmic, zygomatico-orbital, angular zygomatic branch of facial closes eyelids levator palpebrae superioris
corrugator supercilii superciliary arches forehead skin, near eyebrow facial nerve wrinkles forehead
depressor supercilii Medial orbital rim Medial aspect of bony orbit facial nerve Depression of eyebrow

Extraocular

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
levator palpebrae superioris sphenoid bone tarsal plate, upper eyelid ophthalmic artery oculomotor nerve retracts//elevates eyelid orbicularis oculi muscle
superior tarsal underside of levator palpebrae superioris superior tarsal plate of the eyelid ophthalmic artery sympathetic nervous system raise the upper eyelid

Rectus:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
superior annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex 7.5 mm superior to the corneal limbus oculomotor nerve elevates, adducts, and rotates medially the eye
inferior annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex 6.5 mm inferior to the corneal limbus inferior branch of oculomotor nerve depression and adduction
medial annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex 5.5 mm medial to the corneal limbus inferior division of the oculomotor nerve adducts the eyeball
lateral annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex 7 mm temporal to the corneal limbus abducens nerve abducts the eyeball

Oblique:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
superior annulus of Zinn at the orbital apex, medial to optic canal Outer posterior quadrant of the eyeball lateral muscular branch of the ophthalmic artery trochlear nerve primary: intorsion. secondary:abduct (laterally rotate) and depress the eyeball
inferior orbital surface of the maxilla, lateral to the lacrimal groove laterally onto the eyeball, deep to the lateral rectus, by a short flat tendon oculomotor nerve extorsion, elevation, abduction

Intraocular

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
ciliary oculomotor nerve (parasympathetics) accommodation
iris dilator superior cervical ganglion (sympathetics) pupil dilation iris sphincter muscle
iris sphincter short ciliary nerves constricts pupil iris dilator muscle

Ear

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
auriculares galeal aponeurosis front of the helix, cranial surface of the pinna facial nerve (Wiggle ears)
temporoparietalis Auriculares muscles galea aponeurotica
stapedius neck of stapes facial nerve control the amplitude of sound waves to the inner ear
tensor tympani auditory tube handle of the malleus superior tympanic artery medial pterygoid nerve from mandibular nerve tensing the tympanic membrane

Nose

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
procerus From fascia over the lower of the nasal bone skin of the lower part of the forehead between the eyebrows Buccal branch of the facial nerve Draws down the medial angle of the eyebrow giving expressions of frowning
nasalis Maxilla Nasal bone Buccal branch of the facial nerve Compresses bridge, depresses tip of nose, elevates corners of nostrils
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
dilatator naris margin of the nasal notch of the maxilla, greater andlesser alar cartilages skin near the margin of the nostril Buccal branch of the facial nerve Dilation of nostrils
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
depressor septi nasi incisive fossa of the maxilla nasal septum and back part of the alar part of nasalis muscle Buccal branch of the facial nerve Depression of nasal septum
levator labii superioris alaeque nasi maxilla nostril and upper lip buccal branch of facial nerve dilates the nostril; elevates the upper lip and wing of the nose

Mouth

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
levator anguli oris maxilla modiolus of mouth facial artery facial nerve smile (elevates angle of mouth)
depressor anguli oris tubercle of mandible modiolus of mouth facial artery mandibular branch of facial nerve depresses angle of mouth
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
levator labii superioris Medial infra-orbital margin Skin and muscle of the upper lip (labii superioris) facial artery buccal branch of the facial nerve Elevates the upper lip
depressor labii inferioris oblique line of the mandible, between the symphysis and the mental foramen integument of the lower lip, Orbicularis oris fibers, its fellow of the opposite side facial nerve depress the lower lip

Zygomaticus:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
major anterior of zygomatic modiolus of mouth facial artery buccal branch of facial nerve draws angle of mouth upward and laterally
minor zygomatic bone skin of the upper lip facial artery facial nerve, buccal branch elevates upper lip
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
mentalis anterior mandible chin mandibular branch of facial nerve elevates and wrinkles skin of chin, protrudes lower lip
buccinator alveolar processes of the maxillary bone and mandible, pterygomandibular raphe in the fibres of the orbicularis oris buccal artery buccal branch of the facial nerve compress the cheeks against the teeth (blowing), mastication.
orbicularis oris Maxilla and mandible Skin around the lips buccal branch of the facial nerve pucker the lips
risorius parotid fascia modiolus facial artery Buccal branch of the facial nerve draw back angle of mouth

Mastication

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
masseter zygomatic arch and maxilla coronoid process and ramus of mandible masseteric artery masseteric nerve (V3) elevation (as in closing of the mouth) and retraction of mandible Platysma muscle
temporalis temporal lines on the parietal bone of the skull coronoid process of the mandible deep temporal third branch (mandibular nerve) of the trigeminal nerve elevation and retraction of mandible Platysma muscle

Pterygoid:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
lateral Great wing of sphenoid and pterygoid plate Condyle of mandible pterygoid branches of maxillary artery external pterygoid nerve from the mandibular nerve depresses mandible
medial deep head: medial side of lateral pterygoid plate behind the upper teeth
superficial head: pyramidal process of palatine bone and maxillary tuberosity		 medial angle of the mandible pterygoid branches of maxillary artery mandibular nerve via nerve to medial pterygoid elevates mandible, closes jaw, helps lateral pterygoids in moving the jaw from side to side

Tongue

Extrinsic

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
genioglossus Superior part of mental spine of mandible (symphysis menti) Dorsum of tongue and body of hyoid Lingual artery hypoglossal nerve Complex - Inferior fibers protrude the tongue, middle fibers depress the tongue, and its superior fibers draw the tip back and down
hyoglossus hyoid side of the tongue hypoglossal nerve
chondroglossus lesser cornu and body of the hyoid bone intrinsic muscular fibers of the tongue hypoglossal nerve
styloglossus Styloid process of temporal bone tongue Hypoglossal nerve

Intrinsic

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
superior longitudinal close to the epiglottis, from the median fibrous septum edges of the tongue hypoglossal nerve
inferior longitudinal root of the tongue apex of the tongue Hypoglossal nerve
transversus median fibrous septum sides of the tongue hypoglossal nerve

Soft palate

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
levator veli palatini temporal bone, Eustachian tube palatine aponeurosis facial artery vagus nerve elevates soft palate
tensor veli palatini medial pterygoid plate of the sphenoid bone palatine aponeurosis medial pterygoid of mandibular nerve tension of the soft palate
musculus uvulae hard palate palatine aponeurosis pharyngeal plexus
palatoglossus palatine aponeurosis tongue vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve raising the back part of the tongue
palatopharyngeus palatine aponeurosis and hard palate Upper border of thyroid cartilage (blends with constrictor fibers) Facial artery vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve pulls pharynx and larynx

Pharynx

Pharyngeal constrictor:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
inferior cricoid and thyroid cartilage pharyngeal raphe external laryngeal branch of the vagus Swallowing
middle hyoid bone pharyngeal raphe Vagus nerve Swallowing
superior medial pterygoid plate, pterygomandibular raphé, alveolar process pharyngeal raphe, pharyngeal tubercle Vagus nerve Swallowing
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
stylopharyngeus Styloid process (temporal) thyroid cartilage (pharynx) glossopharyngeal nerve elevate the larynx, elevate the pharynx, swallowing
salpingopharyngeus cartilage of the auditory tube posterior fasciculus of the pharyngopalatinus muscle vagus nerve and cranial accessory nerve raise the nasopharynx

Larynx

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
cricothyroid Anterior and lateral cricoid cartilage Inferior cornu and lamina of the thyroid cartilage external laryngeal branch of the vagus tension and elongation of the vocal folds

Cricoarytenoid:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
posterior posterior part of the cricoid muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus abducts and laterally rotates the cartilage, pulling the vocal ligaments away from the midline and forward and so opening the rima glottidis Lateral cricoarytenoid muscle
lateral lateral part of the arch of the cricoid muscular process of the arytenoid cartilage recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus adduct and medially rotate the cartilage, pulling the vocal ligaments towards the midline and backwards and so closing off the rima glottidis
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
arytenoid Arytenoid cartilage on one side Arytenoid cartilage on opposite side recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus approximate the arytenoid cartilages (close rima glottidis)
thyroarytenoid Inner surface of the thyroid cartilage (anterior aspect) Anterior surface of arytenoid cartilage recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus helps to adduct the vocal folds during speech

Muscles of head and neck: the neck

Cervical

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
platysma inferior clavicle and fascia of chest mandible cervical branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) Draws the corners of the mouth inferiorly and widens it (as in expressions of sadness and fright). Also draws the skin of the neck superiorly when teeth are clenched Masseter, Temporalis
sternocleidomastoid manubrium sterni, medial portion of the clavicle mastoid process of the temporal bone, superior nuchal line occipital artery and the superior thyroid artery motor: accessory nerve
sensory: cervical plexus		 Acting alone, tilts head to its own side and rotates it so the face is turned towards the opposite side.

Acting together, flexes the neck, raises the sternum and assists in forced inspiration. ||

Suprahyoid

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
digastric anterior belly - digastric fossa (mandible); posterior belly - mastoid process of temporal bone Intermediate tendon (hyoid bone) anterior belly - mandibular division of the trigeminal (CN V) via the mylohyoid nerve; posterior belly - facial nerve (CN VII) Opens the jaw when the masseter and the temporalis are relaxed.
stylohyoid styloid process (temporal) greater cornu of hyoid bone facial nerve (CN VII) Elevate the hyoid during swallowing
mylohyoid Mylohyoid line (mandible) Median raphé mylohyoid branch of inferior alveolar artery mylohyoid nerve, from inferior alveolar branch of mandibular nerve [V3] Raises oral cavity floor, elevates hyoid, depresses mandible
geniohyoid Symphysis menti hyoid bone C1 via hypoglossal nerve carry hyoid bone and the tongue upward during deglutition

Infrahyoid/Strap

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
sternohyoid manubrium of sternum hyoid bone ansa cervicalis depress hyoid bone
sternothyroid manubrium thyroid cartilage Ansa cervicalis
thyrohyoid thyroid cartilage hyoid bone first cervical nerve depress hyoid bone
omohyoid Upper border of the scapula Hyoid bone Ansa cervicalis Depresses the larynx and hyoid bone. Carries hyoid bone backward and to the side

Vertebral

Anterior

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
longus colli Transverse processes of C-3 - C-6 Inferior surface of the occipital bone C2, C3, C4, C5, C6 Flexes the neck and head
longus capitis anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebræ basilar part of the occipital bone C1, C2, C3/C4 flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
rectus capitis anterior atlas occipital bone C1 flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
rectus capitis lateralis upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone C1

Lateral

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
scalene cervical vertebrae (C2-C7) first and second ribs Ascending cervical artery (branch of Inferior thyroid artery) cervical nerves (C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 elevation of ribs I&II
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
anterior C3-C6 first rib Ascending cervical artery (branch of Inferior thyroid artery) ventral ramus of C5, C6
medius C2-C6 first rib Ascending cervical artery (branch of Inferior thyroid artery) Ventral rami of the third to eighth cervical spinal nerves Elevate 1st rib, rotate the neck to the opposite side
posterior transverse processes of C4 - C6 2nd rib Ascending cervical artery, superficial cervical artery C6, C7, C8 Elevate 2nd rib, tilt the neck to the same side

Muscles of torso

Back

splenius:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
capitis Ligamentum nuchae, spinous process of C7-T6 Mastoid process of temporal and occipital bone C3, C4 Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head
cervicis spinous processes of T3-T6 transverse processes of C1, C2, C3 C5, C6


Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
erector spinae on the spines of the last four thoracic vertebræ both the spines of the most cranial thoracic vertebrae and the cervical vertebrae lateral sacral artery posterior branch of spinal nerve extends the vertebral column Rectus abdominis muscle
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
iliocostalis lateral sacral artery
longissimus transverse process transverse process lateral sacral artery posterior branch of spinal nerve Rectus abdominis muscle
spinalis spinous process spinous process lateral sacral artery posterior branch of spinal nerve Rectus abdominis muscle
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
latissimus dorsi spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus subscapular artery, dorsal scapular artery thoracodorsal nerve pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally deltoid, trapezius
transversospinales transverse process spinous process posterior branches
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
semispinalis dorsi transverse processes of the sixth to the tenth thoracic vertebræ spinous processes of the upper four thoracic and lower two cervical vertebrae
semispinalis cervicis transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebræ cervical spinous processes, from the axis to the fifth
Semispinalis capitis Transversal process of lower cervical and higher thoracal columna Area between superior and inferior nuchal line Greater occipital nerve Extend the head
multifidus Sacrum, Erector spinae Aponeurosis, PSIS, and Iliac crest spinous process Posterior branches Stabilizes vertebrae in local movements of vertebral column
rotatores transverse process spinous process posterior branch
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
interspinales Spinous process Spinous process Posterior rami of spinal nerves Extension, flexion and rotation of vertebral column.
intertransversarii Transverse process Transverse process above Anterior rami of spinal nerves Lateral flexion of trunk

Suboccipital

rectus capitis posterior:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
major Spinous process of the axis (C2) Inferior nucheal line of the occipital bone Dorsal ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve)
minor the tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum a branch of the dorsal primary division of the suboccipital nerve extends the head at the neck, but is now considered to be more of a sensory organ than a muscle

obliquus capitis:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
inferior spinous process of the axis lateral mass of atlas suboccipital nerve
superior lateral mass of atlas lateral half of the inferior nuchal line suboccipital nerve

Chest

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
intercostales ribs 1-11 ribs 2-12 intercostal arteries intercostal nerves
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
internal intercostal arteries intercostal nerves Inhalation internal
internal rib - inferior border rib - superior border intercostal arteries intercostal nerves hold ribs steady internal
innermost intercostal arteries intercostal nerves
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
subcostales inner surface of one rib inner surface of the second or third rib above, near its angle intercostal nerves
transversus thoracis costal cartilages of last 3-4 ribs, body of sternum, xiphoid process ribs/costal cartilages 2-6 intercostal arteries intercostal nerves depresses ribs
levatores costarum Transverse processes of C7 to T12 vertebrae Superior surfaces of the ribs immediately inferior to the preceding vertebrae dorsal rami - C8, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11 Assists in elevation of the thoracic rib cage

serratus posterior:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
inferior vertebrae T11 - L3 the inferior borders of the 9th through 12th ribs intercostal arteries intercostal nerves depress the lower ribs, aiding in expiration
superior nuchal ligament (or ligamentum nuchae) and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7 through T3 the upper borders of the 2nd through 5th ribs intercostal arteries 2nd through 5th intercostal nerves elevate the ribs which aids in inspiration
diaphragm Pericardiacophrenic artery, Musculophrenic artery, Inferior phrenic arteries phrenic and lower intercostal nerves respiration

Abdomen

obliques:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
external Lower 8 costae Crista iliaca, ligamentum inguinale intercostal nerves T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12) Rotates torso
internal Inguinal ligament, Iliac crest and the Lumbodorsal fascia Linea alba, Xiphoid process and the inferior ribs. intercostal nerves T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12), iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve Compresses abdomen and rotates vertebral column.
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
transversus abdominis ribs and the iliac crest inserts into the pubic tubercle via the conjoint tendon, also known as the falx inguinalis intercostal nerves T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, subcostal nerve (T12), iliohypogastric nerve, ilioinguinal nerve, genitofemoral nerve compress the ribs and viscera, providing thoracic and pelvic stability
rectus abdominis pubis Costal cartilage of ribs 5-7, xiphoid process of sternum inferior epigastric artery segmentally by thoraco-abdominal nerves (T7, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12) flexion of trunk/lumbar vertebrae Erector spinae
pyramidalis pubic symphysis and pubic crest linea alba Subcostal nerve (T12) tensing the linea alba
cremaster inguinal ligament Cremasteric artery genital branch of genitofemoral nerve raise and lower the scrotum
quadratus lumborum iliac crest and iliolumbar ligament Last rib and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae Lumbar arteries, Iliolumbar artery Anterior branches of T12, L1, L2, L3, L4 [2] Alone, lateral flexion of vertebral column; Together, depression of thoracic rib cage

Pelvis

levator ani:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
iliococcygeus ischial spine and from the posterior part of the tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia coccyx and anococcygeal raphé supports the viscera in pelvic cavity
pubococcygeus back of the pubis and from the anterior part of the obturator fascia coccyx and sacrum controls urine flow and contracts during orgasm
puborectalis lower part of the symphysis pubis S3, S4. levator ani nerve [4] inhibit defecation
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
coccygeus Sacrospinous ligament sacral nerves: S4, S5 [3][5] or S3-S4[6] closing in the back part of the outlet of the pelvis

Perineum

sphincter ani:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
externus S4 and twigs from inferior anal nerves of pudendal nerve keep the anal canal and anus closed, aids in the expulsion of the feces
internus pudendal nerve keep the anal canal and anus closed, aids in the expulsion of the feces

superficial perineal pouch:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
transversus perinei superficialis anterior part of ischial tuberosity central point of perineum pudendal nerve
bulbospongiosus Median raphé Perineal artery pudendal nerve in males, empties the urethra; in females, clenches the vagina
ischiocavernosus Perineal artery pudendal nerve assists the bulbospongiosus muscle

deep perineal pouch:

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
transversus perinei profundus inferior rami of the ischium its fellow of the opposite side pudendal nerve
sphincter urethrae membranaceae junction of the inferior rami of the pubis and ischium to the extent of 1.25 to 2 cm., and from the neighboring fasciæ its fellow of the opposite side perineal branch of the pudendal nerve (S2, S3, S4) Constricts urethra, maintain urinary continence

Muscles of upper limbs

Vertebral column

Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
trapezius down the midline, from the external occipital protuberance, the nuchal ligament, the medial part of the superior nuchal line, and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7-T12 at the shoulders, into the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion process, and into the spine of the scapula major nerve supply is the cranial nerve XI. Cervical nerves C3 and C4 receive information about pain in this muscle retraction of scapula Serratus anterior muscle
latissimus dorsi spinous processes of thoracic T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 or 4 ribs floor of intertubercular groove of the humerus subscapular artery, dorsal scapular artery thoracodorsal nerve pulls the forelimb dorsally and caudally deltoid, trapezius
rhomboids nuchal ligaments, spinous processes of C7-T5 vertebrae medial border of the scapula dorsal scapular artery dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5) Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall. Serratus anterior muscle
Muscle Origin Insertion Artery Nerve Action Antagonist
rhomboid major spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae medial border of the scapula, inferior to the insertion of rhomboid minor muscle dorsal scapular artery dorsal scapular nerve (C4 and C5) Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall. Serratus anterior muscle
rhomboid minor nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7- to T1 vertebrae medial border of the scapula, superior to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle dorsal scapular artery