What muscles rotate the head?

The primary muscle responsible for rotating the head is the sternocleidomastoid.

How the Sternocleidomastoid Works in Head Rotation

The sternocleidomastoid muscle, located on each side of your neck, plays a crucial role in head movement. When you rotate your head to the left, the right sternocleidomastoid contracts. Conversely, rotating your head to the right engages the left sternocleidomastoid.

Sternocleidomastoid Function

• Lateral Flexion and Rotation: The sternocleidomastoid is the major muscle involved in both laterally flexing and rotating the head.
• Bilateral Flexion: When both sternocleidomastoid muscles work together, they contribute to flexing the head (bringing the chin towards the chest).

Practical Demonstration

You can easily feel this muscle in action:

1. Place your fingers on both sides of your neck.
2. Slowly turn your head to the left and then to the right.
3. You will feel the movement originates in your neck where the sternocleidomastoid is located.

Muscles Involved in Head Rotation