Splenius Capitis

Original Editor - Venus Pagare

Top Contributors - Rachel Vogel, Lucinda hampton, Oyemi Sillo, Venus Pagare, WikiSysop, Kim Jackson, Ahmed Nasr and Tarina van der Stockt  

Description

Splenius capitis is a thick, flat muscle at the posterior aspect of the neck arising from the midline and extending superolaterally to the cervical vertebrae and, along with the splenius cervicis, comprise the superficial layer of intrinsic back muscles.

In relation to its surrounding musculature, it sits:

• Deep to the trapezius
• Superficial to the semispinalis capitis and the longissimus capitis
• Forms the floor of the posterior neck triangle, positioned between the sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius

Origin

Lower half of ligamentum nuchae (C4-C6) and spinous process of C7-T3

Insertion

Superior nuchal line, mastoid process of temporal bone, and rough surface adjoining occipital bone

Nerve Supply

Lateral branches of the posterior rami of the middle and lower cervical spinal nerves.

Blood Supply

Muscular branches of the occipital artery from the external carotid artery.

Action

Splenius capitis assists in supporting the head in the erect position.

Acting bilaterally: extension of the head and cervical spine
Acting unilaterally: lateral flexion of the head and neck and rotation the head to the same side (when working synergistically with sternocleidomastoid).

The muscle tightens with mandibular protrusive movement and in the wide opening movement of the lower jaw.

Synergists: splenius cervicis, semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, superior portion of trapezius.

Physiotherapy

Dysfunction of splenius capitis may be found in those with mechanical chronic neck pain or whiplash disorders. In people with neck pain there may also be overactivity of superficial muscles, splenius capitis and inhibition of Semispinalis Cervicis. Effective management of this condition should include exercises that focus on activating Semispinalis Cervicis, as well as stretching and myofascial release of the splenius capitis.

Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome is a very painful and commonly occurring pain syndrome associated with the splenius capitis muscle insertion. It typically mimics the respective pain reference patterns of temporal tendinitis and migraine headache. The painful headache starts at the lateral margin of the superior nuchal line and medial to the mastoid process. The onset of pain is often caused by eg motor vehicular trauma, blunt trauma, falls, postural situations where superior and inferior lateral oblique movements of the head on the neck occur.