Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Splenius Cervicis

Musculus splenius cervicis

Origin

Spinous processes of T3-T6

Insertion

Transverse processes of the atlas (C1), axis (C2), and C3

Function

Bilaterally: extension of the cervical spine; unilaterally: lateral flexion and ipsilateral rotation

Innervation

Dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves

Movement & chain

Unilaterally responsible for lateral flexion and ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine; bilaterally for extension, together with splenius capitis.

Palpation

Palpable on the posterolateral neck between levator scapulae and splenius capitis during resisted ipsilateral neck rotation.

Clinical

Rotates and extends the upper neck; prime muscle in acute muscular torticollis (wry neck) and cervicoscapular tension.

Segmental innervation

Dorsal rami C3-C6.

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)