Splenius Cervicis

Description

Splenius cervicis anatomy

Name

• Splenius Cervicis
• Splenius Colli
• Musculus Splenius Colli

General

• Deep muscle of the back, part of the Spinotransversales muscle group
• Contributes to neck extension, lateral flexion, rotation

Origin

• Nuchal Ligament
• Spinous process of vertebrae C7-T6

Insertion

• Posterior tubercle of transverse process of C1-C3

Actions

• Bilateral: Extension of head and cervical spine
• Unilateral: Sidebending and rotation of head and cervical spine to same side

Vascular Supply

• Occipital Artery (Muscular branches)
• Deep Cervical Artery
• Posterior Intercostal Arteries

Innervation

• Cervical spinal nerves C5-C8 (Dorsal Rami)

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Clinical Significance

• Torticollis

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See Also

• Physical Exam Neck
• Neck Anatomy (Main)
• Neck Pain (Main)

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