Muscles of the Neck That Move the Head

Semispinalis capitis

Origin - Articular processes of C4-C6 and transverse processes of C7-T7. Insertion - Occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines. Action - Acting together, extend head and vertebral column; acting singly, rotate head to side opposite contracting muscle. Innervation - Cervical spinal nerves.

Longissimus capitis

Origin - Articular processes of T1-T4 Insertion - Mastoid process of temporal bone Action - Acting together, extend head and vertebral column; acting singly, laterally flex and rotate head to same side as contracting muscle Innervation - Cervical spinal nerves

Splenius capitis

Origin - Ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7-T4 Insertion - Occipital bone and mastoid process of temporal bone Action - Acting together, extend head; acitng singly, rotate head to side opposite contracting muscle Innervation - Cervical spinal nerves

Sternocleidomastoid

Origin - Sternal head: manubrium of sternum; clavicular head; medial third of clavicle. Insertion - Mastoid process of temporal bone and lateral half of superior nuchal line of occipital bone Action - Acting together, flex cervical portion of vertebral column, extend head at atlanto-occipital joints; acting singly, laterally flex neck and head to same side and rotate head to side opposite contracting muscle. Laterally rotate and flex head to opposite side of contracting muscle. Posterior fibers of muscle can assist in extension of head. Innervation - Accessory (XI) nerve, C2 and C3.

Spinalis capitis

Origin - often absent or very small; arises with semispinalis capitis Insertion - Occipital bone Action - Extends head and vertebral column Innervation - Cervical spinal nerves