How Do You Spell STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDEUS?

Pronunciation: [stˌɜːnəklˌe͡ɪdəmastˈɔ͡ɪdɪəs] (IPA)

The word "sternocleidomastoideus" may seem daunting to spell, but it is broken down into smaller components that make it easier to understand. The word is pronounced /ˌstɜrn.oʊˌklaɪ.doʊˌmæs.təˈɪ.di.əs/ and refers to a muscle in the neck. The first part, "sterno-" refers to the sternum, while "cleido-" refers to the clavicle. "Mastoid" refers to the mastoid process of the temporal bone in the skull. The "-eus" ending is derived from Latin and means "belonging to." By understanding the prefixes and roots, spelling "sternocleidomastoideus" becomes much easier.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
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STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDEUS Meaning and Definition

  1. The sternocleidomastoideus is a long, strap-like muscle located on either side of the neck. It is named after its attachment sites at the sternum, clavicle, and mastoid process of the temporal bone. This muscle plays an essential role in the movement and stabilization of the head and neck.

    The sternocleidomastoideus muscle originates from two separate heads. The sternal head arises from the top of the sternum, while the clavicular head originates from the medial part of the clavicle. These two heads converge and then insert onto the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.

    When both sides of the sternocleidomastoideus contract together, they flex the neck forward, bringing the chin towards the chest. Conversely, when just one side contracts, it tilts the head to the opposite side and rotates the face towards the same side. This muscle is vital for various movements of the head, such as looking over the shoulder, nodding, and tilting.

    The sternocleidomastoideus is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI). This muscle is particularly prominent in the anterior neck region and is easily palpable. It is frequently used as a landmark in clinical examinations and various medical procedures.

  2. See under musculus.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDEUS

  • aternocleidomastoideus
  • zternocleidomastoideus
  • xternocleidomastoideus
  • dternocleidomastoideus
  • eternocleidomastoideus
  • wternocleidomastoideus
  • srernocleidomastoideus
  • sfernocleidomastoideus
  • sgernocleidomastoideus
  • syernocleidomastoideus
  • s6ernocleidomastoideus
  • s5ernocleidomastoideus
  • stwrnocleidomastoideus
  • stsrnocleidomastoideus
  • stdrnocleidomastoideus
  • strrnocleidomastoideus
  • st4rnocleidomastoideus
  • st3rnocleidomastoideus
  • steenocleidomastoideus
  • stednocleidomastoideus

Etymology of STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDEUS

The word "sternocleidomastoideus" is derived from Latin and Greek. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:

1. Sterno-: This prefix comes from the Latin word "sternum", meaning "breastbone" or "chest", referring to the breastbone located in the middle of the chest.

2. Cleido-: This prefix also comes from Latin and is derived from the word "clavicula", meaning "collarbone". It refers to the collarbone located near the sternum.

3. Masto-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "mastós", meaning "breast". It refers to the breast or mammary region.

4. -ideus: This suffix is derived from Latin and signifies the possessive form, indicating "belonging to" or "pertaining to".

Similar spelling words for STERNOCLEIDOMASTOIDEUS