- Click here for access to the full Anatomy Glossary.
- Right click on the image for a downloadable file of this muscle.
- Use of this artwork requires proper credit to be given (Permission: Dr. Joe Muscolino. www.learnmuscles.com – art work Giovanni Rimasti)
ATTACHMENTS:
- The splenius capitis attaches from the spine to the head.
- More specifically, it attaches from the nuchal ligament from the levels of C3-C7 and the spinous processes of C7-T4 to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral third of the superior nuchal line of the occiput.
ACTIONS:
- The splenius capitis extends, laterally flexes, and ipsilaterally rotates the head and neck at the spinal joints.
NOTE: When viewed bilaterally, the splenius capitis muscles resemble a golf tee, with the head being a golf ball sitting on it.
