Magnetic resonance imaging-based relationships between neck muscle cross-sectional area and neck circumference for adults and children

Abstract

Background Computer models and human surrogates used to study the forces and motion of the human neck under various loading conditions are based solely on adult data. Pediatric computer models and dummy surrogates used to improve the safety of children could be improved with the inclusion of previously unavailable pediatric muscle data. Methods Measurements of neck circumference and neck muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) were taken from ten 50th percentile adult male and ten 10-year old male volunteer subjects. Muscle cross-sectional areas were calculated from magnetic resonance images of axial cross-sections of the neck. Results Neck muscle cross-sectional area was calculated for six muscles/muscle groups. A power-law regression analysis was used to describe the relationship between neck circumference and neck muscle cross-sectional area. Conclusions The cross-sectional area and the power-law functions determined by the data in this study provide a means of calculating muscle cross-sectional area for young children, where such data are currently unavailable. This will provide an opportunity to develop more representative pediatric neck models.

Relationship between jaw‐opening force and neck circumference in healthy older individuals

“…In addition, the cross‐sectional area of neck muscles on MRI were correlated with the actual NC value, and the cross‐sectional area of the neck muscles on CT was related with the skeletal muscle mass . That is, NC is inferred to be indirectly correlated with skeletal muscle mass.…”

“…Thus, neck circumference (NC) might reflect the swallowing‐related muscles more directly. NC correlates with the cross‐sectional area of the neck muscles in MRI, and its measurement has been proven to have high intra‐and interrater reliability . In previous studies, the association of NC with obesity, sleep apnea syndrome, diabetes, cognitive impairment and heart disease risk has been reported .…”

Neck circumference is associated with nutritional status in elderly nursing home residents

“…As neck circumference (NC) is strongly correlated with the cross-sectional area of the neck muscles [5], reductions in NC may be an indicator of malnutrition or sarcopenia.…”

Pediatric Biomechanics

“…However, the difference between pediatric and adult muscle crosssectional area varies by muscle type (Fig. 22.15) [111]. Additional studies have quantified that neck muscle maximum voluntary contraction as measured by peak force and muscle endurance as measured by the ability to sustain that force increases with age [112].…”

“…Similarly, muscles active during extension are termed extensors (e.g., splenius capitis, trapezius). During the developmental process, crosssectional area of the flexors and extensor muscles increase [111][112][113]. However, the difference between pediatric and adult muscle crosssectional area varies by muscle type (Fig.…”