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What movements occur with unilateral contraction of sternocleidomastoid?

Question

What movements occur with unilateral contraction of sternocleidomastoid?

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Solution

The sternocleidomastoid muscle is a large muscle in the neck that helps with various movements of the head and neck. When the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side (unilateral) contracts, the following movements occur:

  1. Lateral Flexion: The head bends towards the side of the contracting muscle. This means if the right sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts, the head will bend to the right.

  2. Rotation: The head rotates to the opposite side of the contracting muscle. So, if the right sternocleidomastoid muscle contracts, the head will turn to the left.

  3. Flexion: When acting together, both muscles (left and right sternocleidomastoid) can also help in flexing the neck. This is not a unilateral action, but it's worth mentioning as part of the overall function of these muscles.

So, in summary, unilateral contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle results in the head bending towards the side of the contracting muscle and rotating to the opposite side.

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