How Do You Spell STERNOCLEIDAL?

Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnəklˌe͡ɪdə͡l] (IPA)

The word sternocleidal refers to one of the muscles in the neck, which is responsible for turning the head to the opposite direction. Its spelling might appear difficult, but it can be broken down into syllables: ster-no-clei-dal. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /stɜː.nəʊ.klaɪ.dəl/. The "st" and "cl" sounds are clear and distinct, while the "e" in the middle of each word serves as a schwa, making it a neutral vowel sound. Overall, the word sternocleidal showcases the complexity and beauty of medical vocabulary.

STERNOCLEIDAL Meaning and Definition

1. Sternocleidal refers to the term "sternocleidomastoid," which is a large muscle located in the neck. The word sternocleidomastoid derives from the Latin words "sternum" meaning "breastbone," "cleido" meaning "clavicle," and "mastoid" referring to a bone behind the ear.

   The sternocleidomastoid muscle is one of the most prominent muscles in the neck region and is easily visible when turning the head. It has two origins: one in the sternum, near the breastbone, and the other in the clavicle or collarbone. These two origins merge into a single muscle belly that extends up the neck and attaches to the mastoid process located behind the ear.

   The primary functions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle include the rotation and flexion of the head and neck. When contracting together, the muscles of both sides of the neck flex the head forward, while independent contractions result in neck rotation towards the opposite side. Additionally, this muscle plays a crucial role in stabilizing the head during other movements of the body.

   The sternocleidomastoid muscle receives innervation from the accessory nerve, also known as the eleventh cranial nerve (CN XI). It receives its blood supply from several arteries, including the superior thyroid artery and the occipital artery.

   Injuries or dysfunctions of the sternocleidomastoid muscle can lead to symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, limited range of motion, or torticollis (a condition where the neck is twisted or tilted). Physical therapy, stretching exercises, massage, and medication are commonly used in the treatment of sternocleidomastoid muscle-related issues

2. Relating to the sternum and the clavicle.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STERNOCLEIDAL

• aternocleidal
• zternocleidal
• xternocleidal
• dternocleidal
• eternocleidal
• wternocleidal
• srernocleidal
• sfernocleidal
• sgernocleidal
• syernocleidal
• s6ernocleidal
• s5ernocleidal
• stwrnocleidal
• stsrnocleidal
• stdrnocleidal
• strrnocleidal
• st4rnocleidal
• st3rnocleidal
• steenocleidal
• stednocleidal

Etymology of STERNOCLEIDAL

The word "sternocleidal" is derived from the combination of two roots: "sterno-" and "cleido-".

The prefix "sterno-" comes from the Latin word "sternum", which refers to the breastbone or chest. "Sternum" itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *ster-, meaning "solid".

The second part of the word, "cleido-", comes from the Greek word "kleidō", which means "clavicle" or "collarbone". In Greek, "kleidō" is related to the verb "kleiō", which means "to close" or "to join together".

Combining these two roots, "sternocleido-" refers to the clavicular attachment of the sternum, indicating the location where the muscle is attached.