Splenius Capitis
Original Editor - Venus Pagare
Top Contributors - Oyemi Sillo, Venus Pagare, Kim Jackson, Ahmed Nasr and Tarina van der Stockt
Contents
Description
Musculus splenius capitis is one of the deep (or intrinsic) muscles of the back. It is a broad strap-like muscle in the back of the neck. Deep to Sternocleidomastoid at the mastoid process.[1]
Origin
Lower half of ligamentum nuchae (C4-C6) and spinous process of C7-T3[2][3]
Insertion
Superior nuchal line, Mastoid process of temporal bone, and rough surface adjoining occipital bone[2][3]
Nerve Supply
Dorsal ramus of spinal nerves C3-C6[2]
Blood Supply
Muscular branches of the occipital artery from the external carotid artery. [2]
Action
Acting bilaterally: extension of the head and cervical spine
Acting unilaterally: lateral flexion of the head and neck and rotation the head to the same side. [3]
Function
It also assists in supporting the head in the erect position[1]
In people with neck pain there may be over activity of superficial muscles and splenius capitis and inhibition of Semispinalis Cervicis[4]
Effective management of neck pain should include exercises that focus on activating Semispinalis Cervicis as well as stretching and myofascial release of the splenius capitis .
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gray's Anatomy of Human Body, Bartleby.com edition. New York: 2000.fckLRhttp://www.bartleby.com/107/115.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.anatomyexpert.com/structure_detail/5203/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Wheeless`textbook of orthopedic, splenius capitis , available from:http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/splenius_capitis (24july 2019 )
- ↑ J Schomacher, J Erlenwein, A Dieterich, F Petzke, F Petzkeb, D Falla. Can neck exercises enhance the activation of the semispinalis cervicis relative to the splenius capitis at specific spinal levels? Manual therapy, October 2015:20: 694-702.
