The neck splenius
Splenius colli · musculus splenius cervicis
A strap muscle at the back of the neck that tilts and turns the neck.
What it does
The splenius colli lies just below the splenius capitis, running from the upper thoracic spine to the top neck vertebrae. It extends the neck and helps rotate it to the same side.
Surprising fact
It and the splenius capitis are named after the Greek word for a bandage because of the way they wrap around the neck.
Why it matters
Like the other neck extensors, it works hard when you hold your head forward for long periods, adding to neck stiffness.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.