What is the name of the muscle located in the neck?

The muscle located in the neck is known as the sternocleidomastoid. This muscle plays a crucial role in head movement and neck stability. It is a prominent muscle that runs from the sternum and clavicle to the mastoid process behind the ear. The sternocleidomastoid allows for rotation and flexion of the head; when one side contracts, it rotates the head to the opposite side, while contraction on both sides flexes the neck forward. Understanding the anatomy and function of this muscle is essential for yoga instructors, as it is actively engaged in various poses that involve the neck and upper body dynamics.

In contrast, the other muscles listed—latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids—are located in different areas of the body. The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle of the back, the trapezius covers the upper back and neck region but is not exclusively a neck muscle, and the rhomboids are located between the shoulder blades. Each of these muscles has its specific functions related to back and shoulder movement, but they do not primarily function in the neck area like the sternocleidomastoid.