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Splenius capitis and cervicis

Contents

Anatomy

Splenius capitis

Position

  • Deep

Insertion

  • Ligamentum nuchea C3-C6
  • Processus spinosi C7-Th4

Insertion

  • Processus mastoideus
  • Linea nuchae superior
  • Lateral 1/3

Main Function

  • Neck
    • Extension
    • Lateral flexion
    • Ipsilateral rotation

Nerve Innervation

  • Segmental
    • C2-C6
  • Peripheral
    • Dorsal rami of the middle cervical spinal nerve

Arterial Supply

  • Occipital artery

Splenius cervicis

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Processus spinosi Th3-Th6

Insertion

  • Processus transversi C1-C3

Main Function

  • Neck
    • Extension
    • Lateral flexion
    • Ipsilateral rotation

Nerve Innervation

  • Dorsale rami of the lower cervical spinal nerves

Arterial Supply

  • Occipital artery

Referred pain pattern

Muscle Type

  • Postural
    • Shortens when stressed

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Headache, also sometimes accompanied with strong pressure in the eye
  • Pain in rotation
  • Reduced rotation

Muscular attachments

Origin and insertion of splenius capitis

Origin and insertion of splenius cervicis

Notes of clinical importance

  • Reduced movement of atlas and C2 may occur if tension is present
  • Jaw clenching affects the tension of levator scapula, sternocleidomastoideus, trapezius, and splenius capitis. These co-contractions are within 3-10% of maximum voluntary contraction. Study

Myofascial lines

Lateral line

Spiral line