Muscle
Splenius capitis
Extends and rotates the head
High-yield
Extends and ipsilaterally rotates the head/neck; dorsal rami of middle cervical nerves.
Overview
A superficial intrinsic back muscle of the neck that extends the head and rotates it to the same side.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7-T4
- Insertion
- Mastoid process and lateral superior nuchal line of the occipital bone
- Action
- Bilaterally extends the head and neck; unilaterally rotates and laterally flexes to the same side
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of middle cervical spinal nerves
- Blood supply
- Occipital / transverse cervical arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the splenius capitis do?
The splenius capitis bilaterally extends the head and neck; unilaterally rotates and laterally flexes to the same side.
What nerve innervates the splenius capitis?
The splenius capitis is innervated by the dorsal rami of middle cervical spinal nerves.
Where does the splenius capitis attach?
The splenius capitis originates from the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7-T4 and inserts on the mastoid process and lateral superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
What is the blood supply of the splenius capitis?
The splenius capitis is supplied by the occipital / transverse cervical arteries.