The Anatomy of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle
This muscle is innervated by thespinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve 11). The SCM has two heads. One originates from the collarbone/clavicle and the other from the breastbone/manubrium. PeopleImages / Getty Images One side can contract, or both sides can contract. The SCM is part of a group of muscles known as the anterolateral neck flexors. The scalenes are synergist (helper) muscles to the SCM. They assist the SCM in turning and tilting both the head and neck....