Sinewy head? (6)

I believe the answer is:
leader
'head?' is the definition.
(head is a kind of leader)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for leader that I've seen before include "source of inspiration" , "Head of an orchestra" , "The one in charge of others" , "Principal player in an orchestra" , "Editorial - chief" .)
