Beginner Sternocleidomastoid Quiz

Q1. What are the two inferior heads of sternocleidomastoid?

• Sternal and clavicular heads
• Anterior and posterior scalene heads
• Superior and inferior hyoid heads
• Mastoid and occipital heads

Q2. Where does the sternal head of sternocleidomastoid arise?

• Spinous process of C7
• Body of the hyoid
• Manubrium of the sternum
• Coracoid process

Q3. Where does the clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid arise?

• Lateral border of the scapula
• Medial clavicle
• Angle of the mandible
• First rib only

Q4. Where does sternocleidomastoid insert superiorly?

• Coronoid process and mandibular ramus
• Hyoid body and greater horn
• Mastoid process and lateral superior nuchal line
• Spinous processes of C2-C5

Q5. Which cranial nerve provides the principal motor supply to sternocleidomastoid?

• Facial nerve (CN VII)
• Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
• Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
• Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Q6. What is a major unilateral action of sternocleidomastoid?

• Contralateral rotation of the face
• Protraction of the tongue
• Ipsilateral rotation of the face only
• Depression of the mandible only

Q7. What is another unilateral action of sternocleidomastoid?

• Contralateral lateral flexion only
• Elevation of the hyoid only
• Extension of the knee
• Ipsilateral lateral flexion of the neck

Q8. What can bilateral sternocleidomastoid contraction do to the cervical spine?

• Flex the cervical region
• Close the vocal folds
• Abduct the shoulder
• Rotate the pelvis

Q9. Which two major cervical regions are separated by sternocleidomastoid?

• Anterior and posterior triangles
• Submental and submandibular triangles only
• Carotid and axillary spaces
• Temporal and infratemporal fossae

Q10. Why is sternocleidomastoid easy to identify on physical examination?

• It lies inside the carotid artery
• It lies completely behind the cervical vertebrae
• It is visible only through the oral cavity
• It is superficial and becomes prominent with resisted head rotation