Splenius Cervicis Detail

musculus splenius cervicis detail

Splenius cervicis inserts on the upper cervical transverse process posterior tubercles, unlike splenius capitis which inserts on the skull. It is a powerful neck extensor and rotator in athletes.

Nerve: Lateral branches of dorsal rami of middle cervical… Blood Supply: Occipital and ascending cervical arteries Region: Neck

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Spinous processes of T3-T6
Insertion	Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1-C3
Nerve Supply	Lateral branches of dorsal rami of middle cervical spinal nerves (C4-C8)
Blood Supply	Occipital and ascending cervical arteries

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Extends the cervical spine; Ipsilateral rotation and lateral flexion of the neck

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Splenius cervicis is involved in cervicogenic headache from chronic tension. It is addressed in trigger point therapy and dry needling for neck pain. Splenius cervicis is also the muscle through which lateral atlantoaxial joint injections are approached from the posterior.

Palpation

Palpated as the lateral posterior neck muscle mass during resisted ipsilateral rotation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Splenius Cervicis Trigger Point in Cervicogenic Headache

Myofascial trigger point in splenius cervicis producing referred posterior head and neck pain, treated by dry needling or trigger point injection.