Splenius capitis muscle
This muscle, known in Latin nomenclature as musculus splenius capitis, is a key element of the extensor apparatus of the neck.
- Origin: originates from the spinous processes of the seventh cervical (C7) and upper thoracic vertebrae (Th1–Th3).
- Insertion: muscle bundles run superiorly and laterally, attaching to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
- Functional significance: when the muscles on both sides contract simultaneously, powerful extension of the head and neck occurs. In the case of unilateral contraction, the muscle turns the head to its side.
- Innervation and blood supply: control is carried out by branches of the cervical nerves (nn. cervicales C1–C3). Blood flow is provided by the occipital artery (a. occipitalis) and the deep cervical artery (a. cervicalis profunda).
Splenius cervicis muscle
Anatomically, musculus splenius cervicis is located somewhat inferiorly and medially to the previous muscle, continuing its biomechanical line.
- Origin: starts from the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae at the level of Th3–Th5.
- Insertion: extends to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3).
- Function: completely analogous to the splenius capitis muscle — bilateral action leads to extension, while unilateral action leads to rotation to the corresponding side.
- Innervation and blood supply: identical to those of m. splenius capitis (C1–C3 nerves, occipital and deep cervical arteries).
Adjacent topography: facial regions and fascial spaces
When studying the muscles of the head and neck, it is important to understand the topography of the surrounding structures.
Facial regions (regiones faciei):
- Orbital region (orbitalis) — within the boundaries of the orbit.
- Nasal region (nasalis) — unpaired region of the nose.
- Infraorbital region (infraorbitalis).
- Zygomatic region (zygomatica).
- Buccal region (buccalis).
- Oral region (oralis) — the zone of the oral fissure and lips.
- Mental region (mentalis).
- Parotid-masseteric region (parotideomasseterica) — contains the salivary gland, masseter muscle, and neurovascular bundle.
Fascial spaces of the head:
- Subaponeurotic space: located between the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica) and the periosteum. It has wide communications with the tissue of the eyelids and nose, which is an important pathway for the spread of infections.
- Parotid space: enclosed within the fascial capsule of the parotid gland. The facial nerve (n. facialis), dividing into branches, the external carotid artery, and the retromandibular vein pass inside.
- Submandibular and submental spaces: surround the corresponding salivary glands and have abundant anastomoses with the fascial spaces of the neck.
Topographic classification of the upper limb regions
As part of the general topographic review (Regiones membri superioris), the following zones are distinguished:
- Deltoid region (regio deltoidea): strictly corresponds to the projection of the muscle of the same name.
- Arm region (regio brachii): divided into anterior (corresponds to the biceps brachii) and posterior (corresponds to the triceps brachii).
- Elbow region (regio cubiti): includes the anterior cubital fossa and the posterior zone (olecranon with extensor tendons).
- Forearm region (regio antebrachii): the anterior surface is occupied by flexors, and the posterior by extensors.
- Wrist region (regio carpi): divided into anterior (palmar) and posterior (dorsal) parts.
- Hand region (regio manus): has palmar (facies palmaris) and dorsal (facies dorsalis) surfaces.
- Fingers (digiti manus): also considered within the framework of palmar and dorsal surfaces.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
To which anatomical structures does the splenius capitis muscle attach?
The splenius capitis muscle (m. splenius capitis) attaches to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The starting point of fixation of this anatomical structure is the spinous processes of the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae.
- Origin — spinous processes of C7–Th3.
- Insertion — mastoid process of the temporal bone.
Which nerves innervate the splenius muscles?
The splenius muscles are innervated by the cervical nerves. The innervation of the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis muscles is carried out similarly.
- Cervical nerves (nn. cervicales) — C1–C3.
- Suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) — posterior ramus of the first cervical spinal nerve; a motor structure, it innervates the splenius muscles.
Which arteries supply blood to the splenius muscles?
The splenius muscles are supplied by branches of arteries passing in the region of the neck and occiput. The blood supply to the splenius capitis muscle (m. splenius capitis) and the splenius cervicis muscle (m. splenius cervicis) is carried out similarly. The following vessels participate in the blood supply to these muscular structures:
- Occipital artery (a. occipitalis).
- Deep cervical artery (a. cervicalis profunda).
Class and exam questions
Where does the splenius capitis muscle originate?
It originates from the spinous processes of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the upper thoracic vertebrae from the first to the third (Th1–Th3).
To which structures does the splenius cervicis attach?
The fibers of this muscle attach to the transverse processes of the first three cervical vertebrae (C1–C3).
What function is performed during unilateral contraction of the splenius muscles?
When contracting on one side, these muscles provide rotation of the head and neck to their side (the side of contraction).
What else to study on this topic
- Fascia of the head (topography and detailed structure)
- Fascial spaces of the head (clinical significance and topography)
- Innervation of facial muscles by branches of the facial nerve
- Anastomoses of fascial spaces of the head and neck
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