Vertebral Column & Ribs
This bone landmark pairs up horizontally with the superior angle of the scapula.
T-2
This superficial abdominal muscle flexes the vertebral column and tilts the pelvis posteriorly.
Rectus abdominis
This muscle has a sternal head originating at the manubrium and a clavicular head originating at the medial clavicle.
SCM (sternocleidomastoid)
This strong jaw muscle originates on the zygomatic arch and elevates the mandible.
Masseter
This artery passes through the transverse foramen of the cervical vertebrae.
Vertebral artery
These specific ribs are classified as "floating ribs."
11th and 12th ribs
Bilaterally, the erector spinae group performs this motion on the vertebral column.
Extension
These three neck muscles elevate the ribs during inhalation and flex/laterally flex the neck.
Scalenes
This muscle elevates the eyebrows and wrinkles the forehead.
Frontalis (occipitofrontalis)
This primary nerve innervates both the Masseter and Temporalis muscles.
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
This atlas landmark acts is the insertion site for Oblique Capitis Inferior.
TVP of C-1 (atlas)
This muscle attaches to the last rib and L1–L4 transverse processes.
QL (quadratus lumborum)
This broad facial muscle tightens the neck fascia and assists in depressing the mandible.
Platysma
This muscle elevates and retracts the mandible, and inserts on the coronoid process.
Temporalis
This primary breathing muscle is innervated by the phrenic nerve.
Diaphragm
This landmark aligns horizontally with the top of the iliac crest.
L-4
These deep postural muscles span 2 to 4 vertebrae to rotate the vertebral column to the opposite side.
Multifidi
These four small muscle pairs located at the base of the skull perform head extension, tilt, and rotation.
Suboccipitals
Unilateral contraction of the Medial or Lateral Pterygoid moves the mandible in this way.
Lateral deviation
This major vascular landmark courses through the anterior triangle of the neck alongside the internal jugular vein.
Common carotid artery
This distinct joint formed by the head of a rib and the body of its corresponding thoracic vertebra allows for subtle gliding during breathing.
Costovertebral joint
This thoracic muscle depresses the ribs during exhalation and originates from the spinous processes of T-12 to L-3.
Serratus posterior inferior
The anterior and middle scalenes insert onto this specific rib to assist with forced inhalation.
First rib
This ring-like muscle encircles the mouth, closing the lips and shaping them for speech and puckering.
Orbicularis Oris
This nerve plexus passes directly through the interscalene triangle before entering the arm.
Brachial plexus