Splenius Capitis

Description

Name

• Splenius Capitis
• Splenius of the head

General

• Thick flat muscle in the bakc of the head and neck
• Part of the superficial layer of Spinotransversales

Origin

• Nuchal Ligament (Lower half, C4-C6)
• Spinous process of vertebrae C7-T3

Insertion

• Mastoid Process (Temporal Bone)
• Superior Nuchal Line (lateral aspect)

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 C3-C6 (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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