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Origin Spinous processes of T3-T6 Insertion Transverse processes of C1-C3 Nerve Posterior rami of the lower Cervical spinal nerves Actions Bilaterally: Extend the head & neck, Unilaterally: Lateral flexion to the same side, Rotation to the same side. Latin Musculus splenius cervicis | ||
The splenius cervicis (/ˈspliːni.əs sərˈvaɪsᵻs/) (also known as the splenius colli, /ˈspliːni.əs ˈkɒlaɪ/) is a muscle in the back of the neck. It arises by a narrow tendinous band from the spinous processes of the third to the sixth thoracic vertebrae; it is inserted, by tendinous fasciculi, into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the upper two or three cervical vertebrae.
Its name is based on the Greek word σπληνίον, splenion (meaning a bandage) and the Latin word cervix (meaning a neck). The word collum also refers to the neck in Latin.
The function of the splenius cervicis muscle is extension of the cervical spine, rotation to the ipsilateral side and lateral flexion to the ipsilateral side.
References
Splenius cervicis muscle Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA