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
Advertisement
For Pain and Symptom Information see: Splenius Cervicis Headache, Eye Pain, and Blurred Vision