Name
Pronunciation
(SPLEE-ne-us CAP-i-tus)
Origin/Proximal Attachment
Lower half of ligamentum nuchae*, & spinous processes of C7 & T1-3
*ligamentum nuchae is a large, tough, elastic ligament running in the back of the neck & between the spinous processes of the cervical
Insertion/Distal Attachment
Mastoid process & occipital bone
Action/Relevance
Acting bilaterally: extension of the cervical spine Acting unilaterally: laterally flexion & rotation of the cervical vertebrae to the same side
Innervation
Posterior lateral branches of cervical nerves - C4-8