Semispinalis capitis
Neck
Deep muscle — it lies under other muscles. X-ray makes the muscles over it see-through.
- Origin
- Transverse processes of C7 to T6 and articular processes of C4 to C6
- Insertion
- Occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
- Action
- Extends the head; alone, bends it to the same side
- Nerve supply
- Dorsal rami of the spinal nerves
A thick muscle running up the back of the neck to the skull, under the splenius and trapezius. It is the main muscle that tilts the head back and forms the vertical ridge on either side of the midline of the neck.
Semispinalis capitis anatomy page →