ArticlesAnatomySpine and backBackSplenius capitis muscle

ArticlesAnatomySpine and backBackSplenius capitis muscle

Splenius capitis muscle

Author: Shahab Shahid, MBBS • Reviewer: Uruj Zehra, MBBS, MPhil, PhD
Last reviewed: May 25, 2023
Reading time: 5 minutes

Splenius capitis muscle (musculus splenius capitis)

Splenius capitis is one of the deep, or intrinsic muscles of the back of the neck. It is located in the superficial layer, meaning that it is closer to the surface compared to the rest. The name originates from the Greek word ‘Splenion’ meaning bandage, and the Latin word ‘caput’ meaning head, hence it has a bandage-like appearance.

Splenius capitis extends from the spinous processes of the last cervical and first three thoracic vertebrae until the occipital and temporal bones of the skull. As a result, it acts as an extensor and lateral flexor of the neck, and assists with its rotation. The muscle also forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck.

In this article we will discuss the gross and functional anatomy of the splenius capitis muscle.

Key facts about the splenius capitis muscle
Origin	Spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T3, nuchal ligament
Insertion	Lateral superior nuchal line of occipital bone, mastoid process of temporal bone
Action	Bilateral contraction: Extends head/neck Unilateral contraction: Lateral flexion and rotation of head (ipsilateral)
Innervation	Lateral branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves C2-C3
Blood supply	Muscular branches of occipital artery

Contents

Origin and insertion
Relations
Innervation
Blood supply
Functions
Summary
Sources

+ Show all

Origin and insertion

The badge-like splenius capitis arises from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of the seventh cervical to the third thoracic vertebrae (C7-T3).

The muscle fibers run superiorly and laterally, in order to insert into the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The mastoid process is a pyramidal shaped eminence on the base of the skull and is a pneumatised bone due to the mastoid air cells. The muscle also inserts in part onto the external surface of the occipital bone, below the lateral section of the superior nuchal line.

Relations

Splenius capitis overlies semispinalis capitis and longissimus capitis and it is located underneath the trapezius muscle. The superior part of splenius capitis is covered by the sternocleidomastoid muscle and forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck.

This triangle is formed by the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid, the anterior border of trapezius and the superior margin of the clavicle as the base. The accessory nerve passes obliquely across this space, and innervates the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and passes through the muscle to innervate the trapezius. At the lower part of the triangle is where the supraclavicular, transverse cervical (cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus) and superior part of the brachial plexus can be found. A sequence of lymph nodes is also located running along the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid.

Learn about all the deep muscles of the neck and back here:

Innervation

The innervation to the muscle arises from the lateral branches of posterior rami of second and third cervical spinal nerves (C2-C3).

Want a time saving method for learning the anatomy of the spelnius capitus muscle and all of the muscles of the trunk wall? Check out our trunk wall muscle anatomy chart!

Blood supply

The blood supply to the muscle arises from the muscular branches of the occipital artery, a branch of the external carotid artery.

Functions

Biletaral contraction of splenius capitis results in extension of the head on the neck. When it contracts unilaterally, it acts in synergy with the contralateral sternocleidomastoid muscle, resulting in lateral flexion and rotation of the head towards the ipsilateral side. Therefore, splenius capitis acts as a shaker of the head. Other muscles that extend and rotate the head include semispinalis capitis and semispinalis cervicis, which also flex the head laterally. The superior portion of trapezius also acts as a lateral flexor of the neck.

Solidify your knowledge about the deep back and neck muscles with our quiz:

Summary

The splenius capitis is a deep muscle of the neck.
It originates from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the 7th cervical vertebra and the superior 3 thoracic vertebrae.
It inserts onto the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
It acts to laterally flex and rotate the neck.
It is innervated by the posterior rami of the 2nd and 3rd cervical spinal nerves.
It forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Frank H. Netter MD: Atlas of Human Anatomy, 5th Edition, Elsevier Saunders.
Chummy S. Sinnatamby: Last’s Anatomy Regional and Applied, 12th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Richard L. Drake, A. Wayne Vogl, Adam. W.M. Mitchell: Gray’s Anatomy for Students, 2nd Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
Weerakkody Y. MD and Knipe H. MD et al: Mastoid part of temporal bone. Radiopaedia.org (accessed 19/03/2016).
Henry Gray: The Fasciæ and Muscles of the Trunk. The Deep Muscles of the Back. Anatomy of the Human Body. (accessed 19/03/2016).
Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD: Splenius Capitis. Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics (accessed 19/03/2016).

Illustrators:

Splenius capitis muscle (musculus splenius capitis) - Yousun Koh

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