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An anomalous cleido-occipitalis muscle
1First Department of Anatomy, Kobe University School of Medicine, Japan.
Acta Anatomica
|January 1, 1994
Summary
This study details an unusual anatomical variation in the trapezius muscle of a Japanese female cadaver. The occipital portion (cleido-occipitalis) showed a distinct separation due to a deficiency in the cervical trapezius muscle.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Morphology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The trapezius muscle is a large paired muscle of the upper back and neck.
- Variations in muscle anatomy can provide insights into developmental processes.
Observation:
- A Japanese female cadaver exhibited a triangular gap separating the occipital portion (cleido-occipitalis) from the main trapezius muscle.
- This gap resulted from a deficiency in the superior cervical portion of the trapezius on both sides.
Findings:
- The right cleido-occipitalis blended normally with cervical trapezius fibers and inserted into the clavicle.
- The left cleido-occipitalis partially intermingled with reduced cervical fibers, forming an accessory slip that inserted onto the clavicle.
Implications:
- This anomalous morphology suggests potential developmental abnormalities during muscle formation.
- Understanding such variations is crucial for anatomical studies and clinical practice.