How Do You Spell STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE?

Pronunciation: [stˈɜːnəklˌe͡ɪdəmˌastɔ͡ɪd mˈʌsə͡l] (IPA)

The sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is responsible for turning the head and flexing the neck, can be a difficult word to spell. Its spelling is based on its Greek origins, with "sterno" referring to the sternum, "cleido" meaning clavicle, and "mastoid" relating to the mastoid process in the skull. The phonetic transcription for this word is [stɜrnoʊklaɪdoʊˈmæstɔɪdˌmʌsl], which can help with proper pronunciation and spelling. It's important for students of anatomy to master the correct spelling of technical terms, to ensure clear communication and accurate documentation.

STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE Meaning and Definition

1. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a large, paired muscle located in the front of the neck. Its name is derived from its origin on the sternum (sterno), clavicle (cleido), and its insertion on the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

   Anatomically, the sternocleidomastoid muscle is divided into two separate heads: the sternal head and the clavicular head. The sternal head originates from the top of the manubrium of the sternum, while the clavicular head originates from the superior surface of the medial third of the clavicle. The two heads merge near the middle of the neck and insert onto the mastoid process.

   Functionally, the sternocleidomastoid muscle acts to flex and rotate the head and neck. Acting unilaterally, it causes lateral flexion of the neck towards the same side and rotation of the face toward the opposite side. When both sides contract simultaneously, it flexes the neck and brings the head forward.

   In addition to its role in movement, the sternocleidomastoid muscle also plays a significant role in respiration. Its contraction elevates the sternum and assists in the expansion of the ribcage during inhalation, aiding in the process of deep breathing.

   The sternocleidomastoid muscle is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and supplied with blood by branches of the external carotid artery. Dysfunction or tightness of this muscle can lead to a range of symptoms including neck pain, headaches, limited range of motion, and postural abnormalities.

Common Misspellings for STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE

• aternocleidomastoid muscle
• zternocleidomastoid muscle
• xternocleidomastoid muscle
• dternocleidomastoid muscle
• eternocleidomastoid muscle
• wternocleidomastoid muscle
• srernocleidomastoid muscle
• sfernocleidomastoid muscle
• sgernocleidomastoid muscle
• syernocleidomastoid muscle
• s6ernocleidomastoid muscle
• s5ernocleidomastoid muscle
• stwrnocleidomastoid muscle
• stsrnocleidomastoid muscle
• stdrnocleidomastoid muscle
• strrnocleidomastoid muscle
• st4rnocleidomastoid muscle
• st3rnocleidomastoid muscle
• steenocleidomastoid muscle

Etymology of STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE

The word "sternocleidomastoid muscle" can be broken down into its constituent parts to understand its etymology:

1. Sterno-: Derived from the Latin word "sternum" meaning "breastbone" or "chest", referring to the part of the muscle attached to the sternum.

2. Cleido-: Derived from the Greek word "kleis" meaning "key", referring to the clavicle (collarbone), to which the muscle is also attached.

3. Mastoid: Derived from the Greek word "mastos" meaning "breast" or "breast-shaped", referring to the mastoid process, a bony prominence behind the ear.

4. Muscle: Derived from the Latin word "musculus" meaning "little mouse", used to describe the contractile tissue in the body.

Similar spelling words for STERNOCLEIDOMASTOID MUSCLE

• sternocleidomastoid vein,
• Sternocleido Mastoideus.