Morphometric Analysis of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle and Associated Anatomical Landmarks: Implications for Surgical Procedures and Clinical Practice
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
National Journal of Clinical Anatomy
Abstract
Background: Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) a chief rotator and flexor of the neck divides the side of the neck into anterior and posterior triangles and acts as an important landmark for clinicians. It protects the vital structures of the neck such as the cervical plexus and vessels. The depression between the two heads of SCM, the lesser supraclavicular fossa is used by clinicians as a landmark for various procedures. Methodology: The study included 15 males and 6 females cadavers, in the Anatomy Department, at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The parameters measured were SCM length along the anterior and posterior border, mastoid tip to the exit of greater auricular nerve and spinal accessory nerve along the posterior border of SCM, and origin of superior thyroid artery to SCM origin along the posterior border. Results: SCM length along the anterior border was 19.91 cm and 16.48 cm in males and females, respectively. Along the posterior border was 16.04 cm and 13.88 cm. Greater auricular nerve point of exit to the mastoid tip is 7.29 cm and 5.93 cm in males and females respectively. All results were more in males compared to females. Conclusion: This detailed morphometric analysis of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle offers important insights into its anatomical relationships and variations, which are crucial for clinical practice. The gender-specific measurements of SCM length, nerve exit points, and vascular landmarks provide surgeons with precise anatomical guidance for procedures in the neck area.
First Page
133
Last Page
137
DOI
10.4103/NJCA.NJCA_73_24
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Recommended Citation
Punja, Rohini; Joshi, Sharvari; Bharadwaj, Vishnu; and Adhikari, Purnima, "Morphometric Analysis of the Sternocleidomastoid Muscle and Associated Anatomical Landmarks: Implications for Surgical Procedures and Clinical Practice" (2024). Open Access archive. 10658.
https://impressions.manipal.edu/open-access-archive/10658
