Function of the short neck muscles
The short neck muscles work together in a complex way in the rotation and reclination of the head. The head movement therefore results from the interaction of all muscles. The muscles rectus capitis posterior major and obliquus capitis superior and obliquus capitis inferior together form an anatomical triangle (so-called trigonum a. vertebralis). The vertebral artery, which plays a major role in the blood supply to the brain, runs through this area. It is located between the muscles on the uppermost vertebral body.
Nerve paths in the area of the neck muscles
Nerve tracts also run in the area between the short neck muscles. The anatomical position of the muscles makes it possible to locate certain nerve tracts: The first cervical nerve is located between the above-mentioned artery (A. vertebralis) and the atlas arch. The nerve releases a specific branch (ramus dorsalis). This reaches the neck muscles and supplies them with energy.
Anatomical deviations
Most people have the anatomical situation mentioned above. However, there are also numerous deviations and exceptions: Mentioned variations of the anatomical situation usually have no influence on the feasible mobility of the head. If certain muscles are missing, other muscles or parts of the muscles take over the corresponding head movements and holding tasks in a compensatory way from birth on.
In very rare exceptions, patients may experience movement problems in everyday life due to the absence or division of one or more muscles. In addition, this also rarely has an influence on the stability in the neck area.In some cases, the absence of a muscle or group of muscles can lead to faster fatigue and increased tension.
- In some people, the musculus capitis posterior minor may be completely missing or very small on one side.
- The rectus capitis posterior minor muscle is rarely missing.
- In some cases, however, this muscle is divided into two parts.
