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The interactive dog atlas · Muscles · Neck and shoulder

Sternocephalicus musculus sternocephalicus

The sternocephalicus is the muscle on the underside of the neck, from the sternum to the head. It bends the head and neck downward.

Open in the interactive atlas Guide: Muscles Worksheet

Educational material, not a diagnostic tool. Written by the Mantrailing România team from veterinary sources we read. Updated 14.11.2026.

Dog in left lateral view — exterior, muscles, skeleton and organs Vector study after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates: a standing dog, head to the left, deep chest and digitigrade limbs. The four layers use the same contour: exterior with body regions, superficial muscles, skeleton and organs.
Sternocephalicus on the atlas drawing, "Muscles" layer. Left lateral view, after the Ellenberger, Baum and Dittrich plates.

Where it is

On the underside of the neck, from the sternum to the head.

Layer
Muscles
System
Muscles
Region
Neck and shoulder

What it is and what it does

It arises from the manubrium of the sternum and runs up the underside of the neck to the mastoid process and the occipital region of the skull. It flexes the head and neck; when only one side contracts, it tilts and rotates the head toward that side.

Worth remembering

When it works on one side only, it tilts and rotates the head toward that side.

Names

  • Latin term: musculus sternocephalicus.
  • In Romanian: Sternocefalicul (Romanian page).

Guides it appears in

From the same region: Neck and shoulder

All structures, in the atlas · Flashcards: muscles