In the human body, according to modern data, there are more than 600 muscles. They differ from each other in structure and functions. By location in the body, the muscles of the trunk, neck, limbs, etc. are distinguished. Of these, the least person deserves the least attention from the muscles of the head and neck.
This is a big mistake, because they perform many functions in the body, and a violation of their work can contribute to the development of many problems. Therefore, knowledge of muscle anatomy is useful for every person who cares about their health.
Muscles of the head
Subdivided into chewing and facial expressions. Often, but not always, muscles of the cranial vault are isolated into a separate group. Moreover, despite the separation of functions, it is impossible to consider these muscles individually, rather, as elements of a single complex.
- Chewing muscles perform the functions of chewing, speech and swallowing. They have fastening (moving point) to the lower jaw and the beginning (fixed point) on the bones of the skull. These include chewing and temporal, as well as two pterygoid muscles (medial and lateral).
- The facial muscles, as the name implies, are responsible for the formation of facial expressions. A distinctive feature of facial muscles is that they do not have double attachment to the bones. Instead, they are only attached to the bones on one side, and are woven into the skin on the other, attached to the ligaments, or originate from them. They are divided into muscles of the skull, face, nose and eyes.
Neck muscles
They can be divided into three groups:
- Superficial muscles. Located under the skin. These include the subcutaneous neck (protects the veins from being squeezed by pulling the skin) and the sternocleidomastoid (holds the head upright and tilts it in its direction) muscle.
- Median. Attached to the hyoid bone. In turn, they are divided into muscles located below the hyoid bone and above.
- Deep lying muscles. Attached to the spine. They are divided into lateral and medial.
The muscles indicated by the number 1, and partially 2 in the picture, are often called the gill -muscle derivatives-muscles . This name was given to them because they come from the branchial arches of the distant ancestors of man.
Some of the muscles of group No. 2 and all muscles of group No. 3 belong to the so-called autochthonous muscles. They are the remains of ventral muscles. Their formation in the form in which they are presented is caused by a reduction in the body cavity and cervical ribs.
Fascia
A fascia is a connective tissue membrane that covers a muscle, forming a kind of case for it. The functions of the fascia, as a rule, are to create support, as well as participate in the metabolism.
The structure of the fascia of the head is heterogeneous. In fact, it is divided into several large parts, called the temporal, chewing and buccal fascia. They got their names based on the muscles that they cover.
Cervical fascia, as well as head, also have a fairly complex structure. The cervical fascia consists of three parts: superficial, pre-tracheal and prevertebral plates. Each of them has its own structural features and performs a unique role. So, the surface plate is poorly developed, the prevertebral column covers only the deep muscles and the spine itself. At the same time, the pre-tracheal plate is all other organs and muscles of the neck.
Torso muscles
Formally, they do not apply to the muscles of the head or to the muscles of the neck. Nevertheless, many of the muscles of the trunk are in close interaction with the cervical spine. These muscles are:
- The belt muscles of the head and neck (also referred to as plaster). Provide movement of the neck and head.
- Spine straightener. She is the longest muscle of the back. Extends the spinal column along its entire length.
- Transverse spinous muscle. Fills the grooves between the transverse and spinous processes of the vertebrae. It breaks down into three layers, forming a semi-axial, multi-divided muscle and rotator muscles.
- Suboccipital muscles. They are divided into the posterior rectus and oblique muscles of the head. Turn your head.
Spasm
Muscle spasm is a common cause of pain. During a spasm in a person, blood vessels are compressed, which can lead to edema, pain and lack of oxygen.
The spasm that caused pain in the muscles of the head can be triggered by many different reasons, do not immediately grab the first aid kit in search of a medicine if it appears. So, sometimes stress, excitement or depression can act as a catalyst. In addition, being in an uncomfortable position (for example, driving, a computer, or a school desk) may cause a spasm. In this case, it is recommended to simply relieve tension on the muscles of the head by taking a warm shower or bath, going out into the fresh air and / or simply massaging the back of the head, temples and forehead. If the above measures are ineffective, anesthetic is allowed.
Cervicalgia
Many people over the course of their life begin to observe the so-called cervicaglia, which is a sharp ("shooting") pain in the cervical region, which is often accompanied by muscle cramps. During cervicalgia, a person practically loses the ability to move his neck due to pain. Very often, pain is given to the shoulders and upper limbs.
It is known that with the help of cervicalgia, the human body tries to protect itself from possible complications caused by nerve clamp. Muscle spasm is needed to protect the clamped nerve from further influences.
It should be remembered that pain is not a pathology in itself, but are symptoms of other diseases (spondylosis, osteochondrosis, etc.). The best action during an attack of pain is relaxation, taking a comfortable posture, taking a pain-relieving drug, and waiting for relief.
After the onset of relief, it is recommended to slowly begin to turn your head. The movement should be carried out smoothly, without causing additional pain, in the direction of a more painful and constrained area. If, having reached the extreme point of movement, the contracted muscle responds, this indicates an improvement in its condition. In addition, to normalize the condition, you can take a warm bath and apply self-massage. In case of frequent relapses, you need to see a doctor and be examined for the presence of diseases.
Spasm Prevention
To prevent the appearance of muscle cramps, you can and should use simple, but extremely effective preventive measures, which include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids. The likelihood of muscle spasm increases with a lack of moisture. During the day, an adult is recommended to consume 6-8 glasses (1.5-2.5 liters) of boiled water.
- Proper nutrition. Proper nutrition is understood as a balanced food containing all the necessary nutrients in sufficient quantities. In addition, it is necessary to minimize the consumption of junk food (soda, fast food, etc.).
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes giving up bad habits and performing physical exercises, including those described above.
Attention! In drawing up a suitable diet and selection of exercises, in no case should you rely solely on advice from the Internet. The main and final word in this matter should always be with the attending physician!
Cervical muscle training
Weak and atrophied cervical muscles perform their functions less efficiently, which leads to an increased risk of developing spinal diseases. This problem is especially relevant for people recovering from long physical inactivity (due to surgery or another form of therapy).
There are many ways to work out the muscles of the neck. However, a significant part of the exercises requires the use of weights, which complicates the technique of their implementation, and also significantly reduces safety. Therefore, the average person can be content with a small but quite effective set of isometric exercises. The essence of such exercises is the principle of their implementation, which consists in static muscle tension and overcoming resistance, and not making active movements. Also an undoubted advantage of these exercises is that with all their effectiveness they do not give the effect of a bull’s neck.
Exercise
Exercise should begin with a small workout, which will prepare the ligaments and warm the muscles. Warm up consists in slow tilts of the head in different directions. After the workout, you can proceed directly to the gym.
Attention! The admissibility of performing such exercises is best to consult a doctor.
One of the most common mistakes made by beginners when doing the exercises is also included in the video posted in the text.
Conclusion
As you can see, the anatomy of the muscles of the head and neck is quite complicated. But we can confidently say the following: the entire muscle system is a single complex that closely interacts with other body systems and thereby ensures its vital activity. Each element of the system is important in its own way, and not one is superfluous.