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Muscles that Move the Head

Muscles that Move the Head

The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 7, 2026

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact

A Test Bed to Examine Helmet Fit and Retention and Biomechanical Measures of Head and Neck Injury in Simulated Impact

Published on: September 21, 2017

Initial Head Posture Affects the Neck Muscle and Head/Neck Kinematic Responses During Low-Speed Rear Impacts.

Jason B Fice¹, Liam H Foulger¹, Daniel W H Mang¹

¹School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Annals of Biomedical Engineering

|December 18, 2025

Summary

Initial head posture significantly alters head and neck movement during rear impacts, even with minimal changes in neck muscle activity. This research aids in developing better injury prevention strategies for drivers.

Keywords:

Head and neck kinematics Neck muscle activity Non-neutral head posture Out of position Whiplash

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Published on: July 24, 2012

Area of Science:

Biomechanics
Motor Control
Injury Biomechanics

Background:

Rear-impact collisions are a common cause of neck injuries.
Driver head posture during a rear impact can influence injury risk.
Understanding head and neck kinematics is crucial for injury prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

To quantify the impact of initial head posture on neck muscle activity.
To analyze head and neck kinematics during simulated rear impacts.
To provide data for injury prevention and computational modeling.

Main Methods:

Twelve participants underwent simulated rear impacts on a sled.
Five distinct initial head postures were tested: left shoulder check, left mirror check, neutral, rear-view mirror check, and looking at a passenger.
Neck muscle electromyography (EMG) and head/torso kinematics were recorded.

Main Results:

Pre-impact muscle activity increased in most muscles for non-neutral postures compared to neutral.
Peak neck muscle activity during impact showed minimal changes across postures.
Non-neutral postures resulted in greater head acceleration and altered head-torso displacement compared to neutral.

Conclusions:

Head kinematics during rear impacts are significantly affected by initial head posture, despite minimal changes in peak muscle activity.
Findings highlight the importance of considering head posture in injury prevention and computational simulations.
This study provides valuable data for improving automotive safety and driver protection.