Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)
Semispinalis Cervicis
Musculus semispinalis cervicis
- Origin
- Transverse processes of T1-T6
- Insertion
- Spinous processes of C2-C5
- Function
- Extends the cervical spine; contralateral rotation on unilateral contraction
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves
- Movement & chain
- Part of the transversospinalis system; works together with the contralateral semispinalis cervicis in head rotation and with semispinalis capitis in holding the head upright
- Palpation
- Palpable in the deep posterior neck medial to splenius; has a prominent thick insertion on the C2 (axis) spinous process.
- Clinical
- Major dynamic supporter of cervical lordosis; weakness promotes cervical kyphotic deformity and chronic postural neck ache.
- Segmental innervation
- Dorsal rami C2-T6
- In clinical practice
- Ergonomic patient repositioning (log-roll technique in spinal trauma) and pressure offloading; maintain neutral spinal alignment in bedridden patients.
- Region in the model
- Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)