 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2015) |
| Splenius capitis muscle | |
|---|---|
 Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column (splenius capitis et cervicis labeled at upper right). | |
 Section of the neck at about the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Showing the arrangement of the deep cervical fascia (splenius capitis labeled at bottom right). | |
| Details | |
| Origin | Nuchal ligament and spinous process of C7-T3 |
| Insertion | Mastoid process of temporal and occipital bone |
| Artery | Muscular branches of the aorta |
| Nerve | Posterior ramus of spinal nerves C3 and C4 |
| Actions | Extend, rotate, and laterally flex the head |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | musculus splenius capitis |
| TA98 | A04.3.02.103 |
| TA2 | 2273 |
| FMA | 22653 |
| Anatomical terms of muscle | |
The splenius capitis (/ˈspliːniəs ˈkæpɪtɪs/) (from Greek splēníon 'bandage' and Latin caput 'head'[1][2]) is a broad, straplike muscle in the back of the neck. It pulls on the base of the skull from the vertebrae in the neck and upper thorax. It is involved in movements such as shaking the head.
- ^ Arnold, MA; Bryce, Deborah. "Arnold's Glossary of Anatomy". The University of Sydney.
- ^ "Splenius capitis muscle - definition of Splenius capitis muscle in the Medical dictionary". Medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com. Retrieved 2011-08-18.