Muscle
Splenius capitis
Posterior neck muscle turning the head toward its own side
High-yield
Both sides working together help extend the head and neck. One side can turn and tilt the head toward that same side, linking its oblique fiber direction to its action.
Overview
Splenius capitis runs upward and outward from the lower neck and upper thorax to the skull behind the ear. It forms part of the superficial intrinsic neck-muscle layer, beneath portions of trapezius and sternocleidomastoid.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lower nuchal ligament and lower cervical/upper thoracic spinous processes, usually C7 through T3 or T4
- Insertion
- Mastoid process and lateral part of the occipital superior nuchal line
- Action
- Extends the head and neck bilaterally; rotates and laterally bends them to the active side unilaterally
- Innervation
- Cervical dorsal ramus branches; C2-C3 are commonly emphasized for capitis
- Blood supply
- Occipital and deep cervical branches, with contributions from the thyrocervical arterial system
Frequently asked questions
What does the splenius capitis do?
Extends the head and neck bilaterally; rotates and laterally bends them to the active side unilaterally.
What nerve innervates the splenius capitis?
Cervical dorsal ramus branches; C2-C3 are commonly emphasized for capitis.
Where does the splenius capitis attach?
The splenius capitis originates from the lower nuchal ligament and lower cervical/upper thoracic spinous processes, usually C7 through T3 or T4 and inserts on the mastoid process and lateral part of the occipital superior nuchal line.
What is the blood supply of the splenius capitis?
The splenius capitis is supplied by the occipital and deep cervical branches, with contributions from the thyrocervical arterial system.