Splenius
Splenius
Splenius (/spliːniəs/), from the Greek word "σπληνίον" (spleenion), meaning bandage, is a broad, strap-like muscle in the back of the neck and upper spine. It is part of the deep cervical muscles, which are responsible for movements of the head and neck.
Etymology
The term "splenius" is derived from the Greek word "σπληνίον" (spleenion), which translates to bandage. This is likely due to the muscle's band-like appearance.
Anatomy
The splenius muscle is divided into two parts: the Splenius Capitis and the Splenius Cervicis. The Splenius Capitis originates from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the seventh cervical and the first three thoracic vertebrae. It inserts into the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the lateral third of the superior nuchal line. The Splenius Cervicis, on the other hand, originates from the spinous processes of the third to the sixth thoracic vertebrae and inserts into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the first to the third cervical vertebrae.
Function
The splenius muscles are involved in various movements of the head and neck. When both sides contract together, they pull the head back into extension. When one side contracts, it causes the head to rotate and bend to the same side.
Related Terms
- Deep cervical muscles
- Splenius Capitis
- Splenius Cervicis
- Nuchal ligament
- Temporal bone
- Superior nuchal line
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Splenius
- Wikipedia's article - Splenius
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski