Semispinalis Cervicis (Musculus semispinalis cervicis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A thick, bulky segment of the transversospinalis system in the dorsal neck, lying deep to semispinalis capitis. It arises from the transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebrae and ascends obliquely to converge into a prominent fleshy insertion onto the spinous process of the axis (C2). It serves as the primary extensor and stabilizer of the mid-cervical spine and controls head and neck rotation.
Origin & insertion
From the transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebrae (T1–T6), into the spinous processes of the second through fifth cervical vertebrae (C2–C5), thickest on C2.
Action
Extends the cervical vertebral column and maintains cervical lordosis; rotates the cervical spine to the contralateral side.
Innervation
Posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves (C3–C6).
Clinical notes
Its dense attachment to the bifid spine of the axis (C2) makes it crucial for cervical posture; atrophy of this muscle is strongly correlated with chronic cervicogenic pain and cervical kyphotic deformity.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Semispinalis Cervicis?
A thick, bulky segment of the transversospinalis system in the dorsal neck, lying deep to semispinalis capitis. It arises from the transverse processes of the upper five or six thoracic vertebrae and ascends obliquely to converge into a prominent fleshy insertion onto the spinous process of the axis (C2). It serves as the primary extensor and stabilizer of the mid-cervical spine and controls head and neck rotation.
Why is the Semispinalis Cervicis clinically important?
Its dense attachment to the bifid spine of the axis (C2) makes it crucial for cervical posture; atrophy of this muscle is strongly correlated with chronic cervicogenic pain and cervical kyphotic deformity.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details