Sternocleidomastoid branch

Sternocleidomastoid Branch

The Sternocleidomastoid Branch is a significant anatomical structure in the human body. It is a branch of the superior thyroid artery that supplies blood to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a muscle in the neck that acts to rotate and flex the head.

Anatomy

The sternocleidomastoid branch arises from the superior thyroid artery, which is itself a branch of the external carotid artery. The sternocleidomastoid branch travels down the neck, supplying blood to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This muscle is one of the largest and most superficial cervical muscles. The primary actions of the muscle are rotation of the head to the opposite side and flexion of the neck.

Clinical Significance

The sternocleidomastoid branch, due to its role in supplying blood to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, can be involved in several medical conditions. These include torticollis, a condition in which the head becomes turned to one side, often due to spasmodic contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In addition, injury to the sternocleidomastoid branch can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis.

See Also

• Superior thyroid artery
• External carotid artery
• Sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Torticollis