Name

Spinalis Cervicis

Pronunciation

(spi-NA-lus SER-vi-sus)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Spinous processes of C7-T2

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Spinous processes of cervical vertebrae C2-4

Action/Relevance

Extension of the cervical spine

Innervation

Dorsal rami of lower cervical nerves

Notes

The Spinalis cervicis (Spinalis colli) is an inconstant muscle, which arises from the lower part of the ligamentum nuchæ, the spinous process of the seventh cervical, and sometimes from the spinous processes of the first and second thoracic vertebræ, and is inserted into the spinous process of the axis, and occasionally into the spinous processes of the two vertebræ below it.