The splenius capitis is a muscle of the neck.
Origin, insertion, and Innervation
It arises from the lower half of the ligamentum nuchæ, from the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra, and from the spinous processes of the upper three or four thoracic vertebræ.
The fibers of the muscle are directed upward and lateralward and are inserted, under cover of the Sternocleidomastoideus, into the mastoid process of the temporal bone, and into the rough surface on the occipital bone just below the lateral third of the superior nuchal line.
The Splenius Capitis muscle is innervated by the dorsal rami of C1-C8.
Function
The splenius muscle is a prime mover for head extension. The splenius capitis can also rotate the head by activation of only one side.
Etymology
The name derives from the Greek word "spléníon," which means plaster or patch.
Additional images
Occipital bone. Outer surface.
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Left temporal bone. Outer surface.
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Muscles of the neck. Lateral view.
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External links
This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant.
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