A man with an injury of the dorsal area of his neck was admitted to the resuscitation department. What muscle occupies this area?

Answer options

1. M.trapezius
2. M.sternocleidomastoideus
3. M.rhomboideus minor
4. M.latissimus dorsi
5. M.scalenus anterior

Explanation

The back of the neck or more precisely, the nuchal region has the following muscles: Extrinsic - descending part of the trapezius. Intrinsic - transvers spinalis muscles are divided to superficial, intermediate, and deep groups. Superficial group - splenius muscles - splenius cervicis, splenius capitis. Intermediate group - erector spinae muscles - iliocostalis cervicis, longissimus capitis, longissimus cervicis, spinalis cervicis. Deep group - transversospinalis muscles - semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis (most superficially); multifidus (intermediate); rotatores brevis, rotatores longus (deepest).