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. Its origin spans 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 spinal nerves. The innervation pattern is identical for both the splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. Cervical nerves (nn. cervicales) — C1–C3.Suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis) — posterior ramus of the first cervical spinal nerve; motor branch supplying deep posterior neck muscles.

Which arteries supply blood to the splenius muscles?

The splenius muscles are supplied by branches of arteries coursing through the neck and occipital regions. The blood supply to both the splenius capitis (m. splenius capitis) and splenius cervicis (m. splenius cervicis) is similar. The following vessels participate in their blood supply: Occipital artery (a. occipitalis).Deep cervical artery (a. cervicalis profunda).

What is the origin of the splenius capitis muscle?

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 upper three cervical vertebrae (C1–C3).

What action occurs during unilateral contraction of the splenius muscles?

Unilateral contraction of these muscles rotates the head and neck toward the same side (the side of contraction).

Splenius Muscles: Anatomy, Origin, Insertion & Function

Splenius Capitis Muscle

This muscle, known in anatomical nomenclature as musculus splenius capitis, is a key element of the posterior cervical extension apparatus.

Origin: arises from the spinous processes of the seventh cervical (C7) and upper thoracic vertebrae (Th1–Th3).
Insertion: the muscle fibers run superiorly and laterally, attaching to the mastoid process of the temporal bone.
Function: bilateral contraction results in powerful extension of the head and neck. Unilateral contraction rotates the head toward the side of the contracting muscle.
Innervation and Blood Supply: controlled by branches of the cervical nerves (nn. cervicales C1–C3). Blood supply is provided by the occipital artery (a. occipitalis) and deep cervical artery (a. cervicalis profunda).

Splenius Cervicis Muscle

Anatomically, musculus splenius cervicis lies inferior and medial to the splenius capitis, continuing its biomechanical axis.

Origin: originates from the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae at levels Th3–Th5.
Insertion: extends to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3).
Function: entirely analogous to the splenius capitis — bilateral action causes extension, while unilateral action causes rotation to the corresponding side.
Innervation and Blood Supply: identical to those of the m. splenius capitis (C1–C3 nerves, occipital and deep cervical arteries).

Adjacent Topography: Facial Regions and Fascial Spaces

When studying the head and neck muscles, understanding the topography of surrounding structures is essential.

Facial Regions (regiones faciei):

Orbital (orbitalis) — within the orbital boundaries.
Nasal (nasalis) — unpaired nasal region.
Infraorbital (infraorbitalis).
Zygomatic (zygomatica).
Buccal (buccalis).
Oral (oralis) — oral fissure and lips zone.
Mental (mentalis).
Parotid-masseteric (parotideomasseterica) — contains the parotid gland, masseter muscle, and neurovascular bundle.

Head Fascial and Cellular Spaces:

Subaponeurotic space: located between the galea aponeurotica and periosteum. It communicates widely with the cellular spaces of the eyelids and nose, serving as an important pathway for infection spread.
Parotid space: enclosed within the fascial capsule of the parotid gland. It transmits the facial nerve (n. facialis) dividing into its branches, the external carotid artery, and the retromandibular vein.
Submandibular and submental spaces: surround the respective salivary glands and form extensive anastomoses with the fascial spaces of the neck.

Topographic Classification of Upper Limb Regions

Within the general topographic review (Regiones membri superioris), the following zones are distinguished:

Deltoid region (regio deltoidea): strictly corresponds to the projection of the deltoid muscle.
Arm region (regio brachii): divided into anterior (corresponds to the biceps brachii) and posterior (corresponds to the triceps brachii) compartments.
Elbow region (regio cubiti): includes the anterior cubital fossa and posterior region (olecranon with extensor tendons).
Forearm region (regio antebrachii): anterior surface is occupied by flexors, posterior by extensors.
Wrist region (regio carpi): divided into anterior (palmar) and posterior (dorsal) parts.
Hand region (regio manus): features palmar (facies palmaris) and dorsal (facies dorsalis) surfaces.
Digits (digiti manus): also considered within palmar and dorsal aspects.

Splenius Muscles

Splenius Capitis Muscle

Splenius Cervicis Muscle

Adjacent Topography: Facial Regions and Fascial Spaces

Topographic Classification of Upper Limb Regions

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