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Glite Dictionary
musculus sternocleidomastoideus

musculus sternocleidomastoideus

9.9
A thick neck muscle on each side that turns the head the other way and helps bend the neck
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌskjələs ˌstɜrnəˌklaɪdəˈmoʊstəˌdaɪəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : músculo esternocleidomastoideo
  • The musculus sternocleidomastoideus is essential for turning and nodding your head.

Examples

  • When the musculus sternocleidomastoideus contracts, the head turns.

  • Injury to the musculus sternocleidomastoideus can cause neck pain and limited movement.

  • Surgeons must take care not to damage the musculus sternocleidomastoideus during certain procedures.

  • The musculus sternocleidomastoideus is essential for head movement.

  • Injury to the musculus sternocleidomastoideus can cause neck pain and limited movement.

  • Surgeons must take care not to damage the musculus sternocleidomastoideus during certain procedures.

  • The musculus sternocleidomastoideus is essential for turning and nodding your head.

Synonyms

sternocleidomastoid
vsmusculus sternocleidomastoideus
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A thick neck muscle on each side that turns and bends the head

gives fuller anatomical origin and includes extension as well
sternocleidomastoid muscle
vsmusculus sternocleidomastoideus
  • Specialized
1 7.2

A thick muscle on each side of the neck that helps you turn and bend your head

adds occipital attachment and also helps extend the neck

Surface Forms

musculus sternocleidomastoideus singular
musculi sternocleidomastoidei plural

Morphology

musculus + sternocleidomastoideus

This is a technical Latin anatomical name rather than a phrase built from familiar English words; one constituent is not even defined in the input. Even if a learner knew 'musculus' = muscle, the complex Latin compound 'sternocleidomastoideus' is not transparently interpretable by a B1 learner, so the overall meaning cannot be derived from the listed constituents.

Etymology

Musculus sternocleidomastoideus is a Latin name that describes the bones it links: sternum (chest bone), clavicle (collarbone), and mastoid (the bone just behind the ear). Because the muscle runs from the sternum and clavicle up to the mastoid, it pulls the head to the side and helps nod, so the name tells its job: 'to turn the head'.