Splenius cervicis muscle

The splenius cervicis muscle is a muscle in the back that connects several vertebrae from the back to several other vertebrae in the neck. It rotates the neck and extends it backward.

Origin
The splenius cervicis originates from the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth thoracic vertebrae in the back. It attaches to these vertebrae at the spinous processes and the supraspinous ligament above them.

Insertion
The splenius cervicis inserts at the first, second, and third cervical vertebrae in the neck. It attaches at the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of these vertebrae.

Innervation
The splenius cervicis is innervated by the posterior primary rami of C5 and C6.

Word origin
The name splenius cervicis comes from splenius, Greek for bandage, and cervix, meaning neck.