Neck (Cervical Spine)

Click pic to enlarge	Muscle(s)	Movement
Flexion	Longus capitis Rectus capitis anterior Sternocleidomastoid (anterior fibers)	Decreasing an angle – e.g. moving the chin toward the chest.
Extension	Semispinalis capitis Splenius capitis Rectus capitis posterior major Rectus capitis posterior minor Obliquus capitis superior Longissimus capitis Trapezius (upper fibers) Sternocleidomastoid (posterior fibers)	Increasing an angle – e.g. moving the away from the chest.
Hyperextension	Semispinalis capitis Splenius capitis Rectus capitis posterior major Rectus capitis posterior minor Obliquus capitis superior Longissimus capitis Trapezius (upper fibers) Sternocleidomastoid (posterior fibers)	Moving a joint beyond the normal range of motion – e.g. looking upward toward the sky.
Lateral Flexion	Sternocleidomastoid Obliquus capitis inferior Obliquus capitis superior Rectus capitis lateralis Longissimus capitis Splenius capitis Semispinalis capitis Trapezius (upper fibers)	Lateral movement away from the midline of the body – e.g. moving the head toward the shoulder (left or right).
Rotation	Sternocleidomastoid Obliquus capitis inferior Obliquus capitis superior Rectus capitis lateralis Longissimus capitis Splenius capitis Semispinalis capitis Trapezius (upper fibers)	Lateral movement away from the midline of the body – e.g. moving the head toward the shoulder (left or right).

Flexion