The muscle that sits in front of the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) is primarily the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This muscle is located on either side of the neck and is responsible for rotating and flexing the head. It originates from the sternum and clavicle and inserts at the mastoid process of the temporal bone behind the ear.
Additionally, other muscles in the anterior neck region include the platysma, and deeper muscles such as the scalene muscles and longus colli, which play roles in neck movement and stabilization.