Name

# Splenius Capitis

Pronunciation

(SPLEE-ne-us CAP-i-tus)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Lower half of ligamentum nuchae*, & spinous processes of C7 & T1-3

*ligamentum nuchae is a large, tough, elastic ligament running in the back of the neck & between the spinous processes of the cervical

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Mastoid process & occipital bone

Action/Relevance

Acting bilaterally: extension of the cervical spine Acting unilaterally: laterally flexion & rotation of the cervical vertebrae to the same side

Innervation

Posterior lateral branches of cervical nerves - C4-8