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Splenius Cervicis Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action, Innervation

Splenius Cervicis Anatomy

Spenius Cervicis Muscle

Origin:
Spinous processes and supraspinous ligaments of T3 to T6
Insertion: Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1 to C3
Actions: Extension of the cervical spine
Innervation: Dorsal primary rami of C5 to C7
Blood Supply: Superior intercostal artery

Primary Actions of the Splenius Capitis

1. Extension of the cervical spine when acting bilaterally
  Agonists:
  • Longissimus Cervicis
  • Iliocostalis Cervicis
  • Spinalis Cervicis
  • Semispinalis Cervicis
  Antagonists:
  • Longus Colli
  • Scalene (anterior and middle)

The interspinalis assist with extension of the cervical spine.

2. Lateral flexion of the cervical spine when acting unilaterally
  Agonists:
  • Scalene Muscles
  • Iliocostalis Cervicis
  • Semispinalis Cervicis
  Antagonists: same muscle on the opposite side
  • Scalene Muscles
  • Iliocostalis Cervicis
  • Semispinalis Cervicis

Longus colli and the intertransversarii assist with lateral flexion of the cervical spine.

3. Assists with ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
  • Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
  • Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Antagonists: same muscles on the opposite side

  • Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
  • Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Longus colli also assists with ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine

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