Relationship between Force and Cross-Sectional Area of Postcervical Muscles in Man: Influence of Variations in the Morphology of the Neck
Relationship between Force and Cross-Sectional Area of Postcervical Muscles in Man: Influence of Variations in the Morphology of the Neck
Neck muscles have both dynamic and static functionalities, since they move the head in all directions and since they also have a postural role as antagonists of gravity. The static function depends on the strength and endurance of these muscles. The spine is a single weight-bearing column, and it depends solely upon muscular strength for both its lateral and its anteroposterior stabilization. The normal curvature observed in the sagittal plane is constantly subject to gravitational torques, which tends to increase lordosis and cause the head to fall forward. The neck muscles must work against these two effects of gravity. Calculating the absolute force given by neck muscles in static situations needs an accurate knowledge of forces present and of lever arms involved.
Keywords: neck muscles, sagittal plane, static, gravity, spine, anteroposterior stabilization
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