Atlas of Acupuncture

3 Anatomical Orientation

Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle

(
Figs 3.36, 3.37)

This muscle forms a distinct, easily identifiable structure on the

anterior and lateral aspect of the neck, which becomes visible

and palpable by rotating the neck in the opposite direction. This

effect can be increased by rotating the head against resistance

(by pushing against the chin for example). The more slender

clavicular head originates from the anterior aspect of the

manubrium, while the more flat clavicular head originates from

the medial third of the clavicle, revealing a small triangle

between the two heads near the sternoclavicular joint. This is the

location of 
ST-11. By palpating along the SCM muscle in a

superior direction, the two heads can be distinguished for the

major part of the muscle, before they merge to insert at the pos-

terior part of the mastoid process and the lateral superior nuchal

line of the occiput. Besides 
ST-11,the following points are

located alongside the muscle belly of the SCM: 
L.I.-17,

L.I.-18, S.I.-16, ST-9, G.B-12and anmian(Ex-HN).

ST-9

Laryngeal

prominence

ST-11

S.I.-16

L.I.-18

G.B.-12

Ex-HN (anmian)

L.I.-17

Sternocleido-

mastoid

Sternal

head

Clavicular

head

Fig. 3.36

Sternocleidomastoid muscle

Transverse

cervical nerve

External jugular

vein

Major occipital

nerve

Great auricular

nerve

Fig. 3.37