Splenius capitis muscle

Muscle infobox
Name = Splenius capitis muscle
Latin = musculus splenius capitis
GraySubject = 115
GrayPage = 397

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Caption = Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column. (Splenius capitis et cervicis labeled at upper right.)

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Caption2 = Section of the neck at about the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Showing the arrangement of the fascia coli. (Splenius capitis labeled at bottom right.)
Origin = Ligamentum nuchae, spinous process of C7-T6
Insertion = Mastoid process of temporal and occipital bone
Action = Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head
Blood =
Nerve = C3, C4
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MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = m_22
DorlandsSuf = 12550912
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

External links

*
* - "Superficial layer of the extrinsic muscles of the back."
* - "Intermediate layer of the extrinsic muscles of the back, deep muscles."
* - "Identification of the muscles associated with the posterolateral triangle."
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* [http://www.ptcentral.com/muscles/muscletrunk.html#splenius%20capitis PTCentral]