Splenius Capitis
Musculus splenius capitis
A thick, strap-like posterior neck muscle that extends and rotates the head toward the same side. It is the primary mover trained by neck-extension work (neck harness extension, prone head-strap raises) and is a key part of building a thick, resilient posterior neck for wrestlers, footballers, and contact athletes.
- Actions
- Cervical and head extension (bilateral), Ipsilateral cervical rotation (unilateral), Ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion (unilateral)
- Origin
- Lower half of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of C7-T3 (T4).
- Insertion
- Mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral one-third of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
- Innervation
- Lateral branches of the posterior (dorsal) rami of the middle cervical spinal nerves (C2-C3).
- Blood supply
- Occipital artery, deep cervical artery, and transverse cervical artery.