Semispinalis capitis
Encyclopedia
The Semispinalis capitis (Complexus) is situated at the upper and back part of the neck
, deep to the Splenius, and medial to the Longissimus cervicis and capitis.
It arises by a series of tendons from the tips of the transverse processes of the upper six or seven thoracic and the seventh cervical vertebrae
, and from the articular processes of the three cervical vertebrae above this (C4-C6).
The tendons, uniting, form a broad muscle, which passes upward, and is inserted between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
of the occipital bone
.
The medial part, usually more or less distinct from the remainder of the muscle, is frequently termed the Spinalis capitis; it is also named the Biventer cervicis since it is traversed by an imperfect tendinous inscription.
It lies deep to the trapezius muscle.
The semispinalis muscles are innervated by the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves.
Neck
The neck is the part of the body, on many terrestrial or secondarily aquatic vertebrates, that distinguishes the head from the torso or trunk. The adjective signifying "of the neck" is cervical .-Boner anatomy: The cervical spine:The cervical portion of the human spine comprises seven boney...
, deep to the Splenius, and medial to the Longissimus cervicis and capitis.
It arises by a series of tendons from the tips of the transverse processes of the upper six or seven thoracic and the seventh cervical vertebrae
Cervical vertebrae
In vertebrates, cervical vertebrae are those vertebrae immediately inferior to the skull.Thoracic vertebrae in all mammalian species are defined as those vertebrae that also carry a pair of ribs, and lie caudal to the cervical vertebrae. Further caudally follow the lumbar vertebrae, which also...
, and from the articular processes of the three cervical vertebrae above this (C4-C6).
The tendons, uniting, form a broad muscle, which passes upward, and is inserted between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
Nuchal lines
The nuchal lines are four curved lines on the external surface of the occipital bone:* The upper, often faintly marked, is named the highest nuchal line, but is sometimes referred to as the Mempin Line, and to it the galea aponeurotica is attached.* Below the highest nuchal line is the superior...
of the occipital bone
Occipital bone
The occipital bone, a saucer-shaped membrane bone situated at the back and lower part of the cranium, is trapezoidal in shape and curved on itself...
.
The medial part, usually more or less distinct from the remainder of the muscle, is frequently termed the Spinalis capitis; it is also named the Biventer cervicis since it is traversed by an imperfect tendinous inscription.
It lies deep to the trapezius muscle.
The semispinalis muscles are innervated by the dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves.