Anterior neck muscles

The anterior neck muscles include the platysma, sternocleidomastoid (SCM), anterior vertebral muscles, and the lateral vertebral muscles. The platysma is a broad, thin muscle that overlies the other muscles and neck structures. The SCM arises from the sternum and the medial third of the clavicle and passes obliquely across the side of the neck to insert into the mastoid process. The anterior vertebral muscles include the longus capitis, longus colli, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis (only the longus capitus is visible on this view). The lateral vertebral muscles (scalene muscles), attach from the cervical vertebrae to the first or second ribs. The nerves of the brachial plexus pass between the anterior and middle scalene muscles en route to the subclavian area.