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