Neck Articulations

Flexion

Bending the joint resulting in a decrease of angle; moving the head Forward at the joint just below the skull.

• Longus capitis
• Rectus capitis anterior
• Sternocleidomastoid (anterior fibers)

Extension / Hyperextension

Straightening the joint resulting in an increase of angle; moving the head backward at the joint just below the skull.

• Semispinalis capitis
• Splenus capitis
• Rectus capitis posterior major
• Rectus capitis posterior minor
• Obliquus capitis superior
• Longissimus capitis
• Trapezius (upper fibers)
• Sternocleidomastoid (posterior fibers)

Lateral Flexion (Abduction)

Lateral movement away from the midline of the body; moving the head toward the shoulder (left or right) at a joint below the skull.

• See muscles responsible for Rotation

Reduction (Adduction)

Return to the anatomical position from lateral movement; moving the head upright away from the shoulder at a joint below the skull.

• See muscles responsible for Rotation

Rotation

Rotary movement around the longitudinal axis of the bone; turning the head to the side (right or left) at a joint below the skull.

• Sternocleidomastoid
• Obliquus capitis inferior
• Obliquus capitis superior
• Rectus capitis lateralis
• Longissimus capitis
• Splenius capitis
• Semispinalis capitis
• Trapezius (upper fibers)