The semispinalis capitis (complexus) is a deep muscle on the back of the neck that lies below the trapezius. It originates from the spine (7th cervical down to the 6th or 7th thoracic vertebrae) and inserts into the elongated area at the base of the skull (occipital bone). It is innervated by dorsal branches of the cervical nerve and is supplied by muscular branches of the aorta. Both the trapezius and the semispinalis capitis create the muscular column on the back of the neck. The semispinalis capitis muscle extends the head and rotates it so the face is directed to the opposite side. Research Semispinalis Capitis
The spinalis capitis muscle (biventer cervicis) is a small muscle situated on the inner side of the spinalis cervicis. It is an extension of the spinalis cervicis and extends upward to the occipital bone, or it may fuse with the semispinalis capitis. The spinalis muscles link the vertebrae, helping you to stand upright. The spinalis capitis is innervated by dorsal branches of the cervical nerve and is supplied by muscular branches of the aorta. Research Spinalis Capitis
The Probert Encyclopaedia was designed, edited and programed by
Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Research Semispinalis Capitis
