Muscles of the head, neck and shoulder

• Anatomy and physiology
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

What you will learn

Following this lesson you should now be able to . . .

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Understand the structure and functions of the superficial muscles of the head and neck

Identify major superficial muscles of the head and neck, describe their functions

Explain the functions of the muscular system

Name the 3 types of muscle tissue and give an example

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KEY WORDS

Following this lesson you should now be able to understand the key words related to this topic . . .

ORBICULARIS, OCCULI, DEPRESSOR, LEVATOR, LABII, MASTICATION

What do you know about the muscular system and the muscles of the head and neck ?

CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPES OF MUSCLE TISSUE  

In the muscular system, muscle tissue is categorised into three distinct types: 

1) Skeletal 2) Cardiac 3) Smooth. 

Each type of muscle tissue in the human body has a unique structure and a specific role. Skeletal muscle moves bones and other structures. Cardiac muscle contracts the heart to pump blood. The smooth muscle tissue that forms organs like the stomach and bladder changes shape to facilitate bodily functions. 

CHARACTERISTICS OF TYPES OF MUSCLE TISSUE  

Skeletal muscles attach to and move bones by contracting and relaxing in response to voluntary messages from the nervous system. Skeletal muscle tissue is composed of long cells called muscle fibers that have a striated appearance. 

Smooth muscle is found in the walls of hollow organs throughout the body. Smooth muscle contractions are involuntary movements triggered by impulses that travel through the autonomic nervous system. 

Cardiac muscle is found only in the myocardium of the heart, it contracts in response to signals from the cardiac conduction system to make the heart beat. 

Muscle fibers are organized into bundles supplied by blood vessels and innervated by motor neurons.

Smooth muscle tissue allows for contraction and relaxation with great elasticity. In the urinary bladder they allow those organs to expand and relax. In the digestive tract they facilitate swallowed food and nutrients. In artery walls they relax and contract to move blood through the body.

Cardiac muscle is made from cells called cardiocytes. Like skeletal muscle cells cardiocytes have a striated appearance, but their overall structure is shorter and thicker. 

Match up the descriptions to the muscle tissue types

Contract by shortening in length

Located in the walls of the myocardium

Striated in appearance 

Voluntary - under conscious control

Involuntary - under unconscious control

Contract with peristaltic (wave) action 

Located in skeletal muscles

 Located in the walls of  organs and digestive system

Involuntary - under unconscious control

Appear spindle-shaped 

Overview of the Head and Neck Muscles

• Key Details:

• Superficial muscles include those responsible for facial expressions, mastication (chewing), and neck movement.

• Key muscle groups: facial muscles, chewing muscles, and neck muscles.

• Importance of muscles in communication and function.

Major Facial Muscles

• Key Details:

• Muscles of facial expression include the orbicularis oculi, zygomaticus major, and buccinator.

• These muscles allow for various facial expressions and emotional communication.

• Which muscle is responsible for closing the eyelids?

1. Orbicularis Oris
2. Orbicularis Occuli
3. Procerus
4. Corrugator

Slide 5: Muscles of Mastication

• Key Details:

• Primary muscles include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids.

• These muscles are essential for chewing and grinding food.

What is the main function of the masseter muscle?

1. Chewing
2. Talking
3. Smiling
4. Frowning

Slide 6: Muscles of lower facial expression

• Key Details:

• Primary muscles include the Orbicularis Oris, Levator Labii Superioris, Depressor Labii inferioris, Triangularis and mentalis

• These muscles are essential for showing expression of sadness and happiness

Slide 6: Neck Muscles

• Key Details:

• Major muscles include the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius.

• Sternocleidomastoid allows for head rotation and flexion; trapezius supports shoulder elevation.

• These muscles also assist in movements like nodding and shrugging.

Slide 7: Functional Importance of Muscles

• Key Details:

• Superficial muscles facilitate essential functions such as speaking, eating, and expressing emotions.

• Coordination between muscles allows for complex movements and expressions.

• Muscle health is crucial for overall well-being and functionality.

 

Where is the trapezius muscle located?

1. Lower back
2. Upper back and neck
3. Inner thigh
4. Forehead

What is the location of the masseter muscle?

1. Forehead area
2. Neck area
3. Shoulder area
4. Jaw area

Where can you find the platysma?

1. Scalp area
2. Cheek area
3. Forehead area
4. Superficial neck region

What is the location of the zygomaticus major?

1. Cheek to mouth corner
2. Forehead to eyebrows
3. Neck to shoulder
4. Under the chin

Where is the orbicularis oris located?

1. On the neck
2. Around the mouth
3. In the eyes
4. On the forehead

Which muscle helps in chewing?

1. Masseter
2. Frontalis
3. Zygomaticus
4. Sternocleidomastoid

What does the Platysma do?

1. Elevates the shoulder
2. Rotates the head
3. Flexes the neck
4. Depresses the jaw

Which muscle closes the eyelids?

1. Buccinator
2. Orbicularis Oculi
3. Risorius
4. Temporalis

What action does the Zygomaticus perform?

1. Frowning
2. Pouting
3. Blinking
4. Smiling

Which muscle raises the eyebrows?

1. Masseter
2. Frontalis
3. Orbicularis Oris
4. Sternocleidomastoid