Home Body Atlas Muscles Interspinales Cervicis
Muscle Neck

Interspinales Cervicis

musculi interspinales cervicis

The cervical interspinales are thin paired muscles between adjacent cervical spinous processes, providing segmental extension stabilisation. Better developed in the cervical than thoracic spine.

Nerve: Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves Blood Supply: Vertebral artery branches Region: Neck
Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginSuperior surface of each cervical spinous process (C2-C7)
InsertionInferior surface of the spinous process immediately above
Nerve SupplyDorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves
Blood SupplyVertebral artery branches
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

ActionsStabilise cervical segmental motion in extension; Proprioceptive monitoring between adjacent spinous processes
Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Injured in hyperflexion cervical trauma (flexion-distraction injury) where the posterior tension band is disrupted. Identified during posterior cervical surgery as the most superficial deep muscle layer.

Palpation

Not palpable individually.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Cervical Interspinales Disruption in Flexion-Distraction Injury

Posterior interspinales tearing producing interspinous widening on lateral X-ray and cervical instability.

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