Structural Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Head, Neck and Jaw

ANAT-KINE-0201 - Head, Neck & Jaw Anatomy and Kinesiology for Massage & Bodywork

Cervical Mechanics, TMJ Function & Upper-Body Structural Literacy for Practitioners

This regional anatomy course explores the intricate structures of the head, neck, and jaw—regions central to posture, breath, expression, and stress patterns. Students learn cervical spine mechanics, TMJ anatomy & function, muscular layers, bony landmarks, joint motions, and common tension presentations. Hands-on labs teach palpation, movement observation, and safe approaches to upper-body therapeutic planning.

In-person or live online; lecture, anatomical models, movement labs, palpation practice, and assessments

🕒 8 Hours Ahna Ma

🌐 Theory, Lecture & Workshop View Syllabus

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Learning Objectives & Outcomes

Students will:

Identify key bones, joints, and landmarks of the skull and cervical spine
Name and locate primary muscles of the head, neck, and jaw
Describe TMJ mechanics and cervical motion in all planes
Recognize common postural patterns and strain in this region
Apply anatomical understanding to observation, cueing, and touch strategies
Identify major bones, muscles & structures of the head, neck & jaw
Describe TMJ mechanics & cervical movement patterns
Palpate key cervical & cranial landmarks
Recognize common postural dysfunctions (forward head, jaw clenching, upper-cross patterns)
Apply regional knowledge to safe therapeutic touch & movement cueing

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Target Audience

Massage therapy students and LMTs focusing on neck, jaw, and headache-related concerns
Yoga and somatic teachers interested in alignment of the head and cervical spine
Bodyworkers working with stress, jaw clenching, and upper body posture

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Prerequisites

Prior coursework in Orientation to the Human Body and The Human Skeleton
Beneficial: Classification of Joints & Muscles (ANAT-KINE 0103)

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Assessment & Evaluation

Active participation in labs and class discussions
Completion of four quizzes:
- Quiz: Movements and Muscle Actions of the Head, Neck and Jaw
- Quiz: Bone Landmarks of the Head, Neck and Jaw
- Quiz: Muscles of the Head, Neck and Jaw
- Quiz: Articulations of the Head, Neck and Jaw

Ahna Ma

Art, in its initial stage, is science. Science, in it's highest form, is art.

Scientist, artist, and synergist Social-benefit entrepreneur Professional bodyworker and teacher Nourisher of bodies and ecologies Earthling

📄 Read More 🌐 https://www.mettabody.works/thai-massage

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Structural Anatomy and Kinesiology of the Head, Neck and Jaw

ANAT-KINE-0201 - Head, Neck & Jaw Anatomy and Kinesiology for Massage & Bodywork

Cervical Mechanics, TMJ Function & Upper-Body Structural Literacy for Practitioners

Learning Objectives & Outcomes

Target Audience

Prerequisites

Assessment & Evaluation

Ahna Ma

View Our Program

Bookstore

Anatomy Coloring Book

Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists

Anatomy of Movement

Atlas of Human Anatomy

Body Stories: A Guide to Experiential Anatomy

Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach

Fascial Release for Structural Balance

Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation

Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual

The Concise Book of Muscles

Trail Guide to the Body

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