Splenius !
The splenius muscles are strap-like muscles at the back of the neck; they extend the head and neck and turn the head to the same side.
Official name: Splenius muscles
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What it is
Strap-like muscles at the back of the neck, from the spinous processes up and out to the skull and upper neck vertebrae.
What it does
Extends the head and neck; on one side it turns the head to the same side.
Key facts
- Origin
- Nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7–T6 (capitis: C7–T3; cervicis: T3–T6)
- Insertion
- Capitis: mastoid process and lateral superior nuchal line; cervicis: transverse processes of C1–C3
- Action
- Bilateral: extends head and neck; unilateral: lateral flexion and rotation to the same side
- Nerve
- Dorsal rami of middle and lower cervical spinal nerves
- Blood supply
- Occipital, transverse cervical and deep cervical arteries
Relations
- Superficial
- Trapezius, rhomboids and serratus posterior superior; sternocleidomastoid over its insertion near the mastoid
- Deep
- Semispinalis capitis and cervicis and longissimus capitis; the occipital artery runs deep to splenius capitis toward the scalp
- Lateral
- Levator scapulae, sharing the C1–C3 transverse processes
- Medial
- Nuchal ligament
How to find it
In the upper posterior triangle, just behind sternocleidomastoid and below the mastoid process, splenius capitis is felt tightening when the head is turned to the same side against resistance.
On imaging
On axial MRI or CT of the neck it is the oblique sheet deep to trapezius and sternocleidomastoid, wrapping over semispinalis. It is rarely the target of imaging: ultrasound or EMG guidance is used to place botulinum toxin injections in cervical dystonia, and MRI shows strain after whiplash as oedema in the muscle.
Clinical notes
- One of the muscles commonly targeted with botulinum toxin injections in cervical dystonia when the head turns toward the same side
- Strained, with the other neck extensors, in whiplash and in posture-related neck pain
Related conditions
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which way does the splenius turn the head, and with which muscle does it work?
To the same side, working with the opposite sternocleidomastoid.
Where does the splenius capitis insert?
On the mastoid process and the lateral superior nuchal line; splenius cervicis inserts on the C1–C3 transverse processes.
Which triangle of the neck does the splenius capitis help floor?
The posterior triangle, between the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- musculi splenii TA2 2272
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Músculo esplenio DeCS D009334
- English (TA2)
- Splenius muscles
- Also called
- splenius muscle
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); DeCS; Anatomy, Back.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
