What does capitis mean in anatomy?
of the head
/ˈkæp.ɪ.tɪs/ a Latin word meaning “of the head,” used in the names of some muscles that are connected to the head.
What is the definition of splenius capitis?
Splenius capitis is a thick, flat muscle at the posterior aspect of the neck arising from the midline and extending superolaterally to the cervical vertebrae and, along with the splenius cervicis, comprise the superficial layer of intrinsic back muscles.
What is the function of the splenius capitis muscle?
Function. The splenius capitis muscle is a prime mover for head extension. The splenius capitis can also allow lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine.
Why is it called splenius capitis?
The name splenius capitis also describes the shape and location of this muscle. As we just said, splenius is the Latin word for “patch”. Capitis is a Latin word which means head. Splenius capitis then, looks like a patch located on the head.
What is the longus capitis?
The longus capitis muscle is a sizeable band of tissue that stretches from the cervical vertebrae — the section of the vertebra nearest the skull — to the bottom of the skull. It is one of the major muscles in the human neck.
What is the semispinalis capitis?
The semispinalis capitis, which is the largest and most prominent of the posterior neck muscles, arises from the transverse process of the upper thoracic spines and is inserted into the occiput below the superior nuchal line.
What is the function of the semispinalis capitis?
The semispinalis capitis is a long, thin muscle that is located at the back of the neck, on both sides of the spinal column. This muscle has several different functions, which include: Neck extension: bending the neck backward, such as when you look at the ceiling above your head.
What is rectus capitis?
The Rectus capitis anterior is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the Longus capitis. It is also known as Obliquus Capitis Superior.
What is the function of the longissimus capitis muscle?
The erector spinae muscles, including longissimus, are the most powerful extensors of the vertebral column. Hence their main actions include spine extension and lateral flexion. Longissimus capitis also rotates the head.
What are the functions of splenius capitis and semispinalis capitis?
Therefore, splenius capitis acts as a shaker of the head. Other muscles that extend and rotate the head include semispinalis capitis and semispinalis cervicis, which also flex the head laterally. The superior portion of trapezius also acts as a lateral flexor of the neck.
Where is rectus capitis located?
What is the Longissimus capitis?
General information. Longissimus capitis is the part of the longest muscle of the neck, which serves to rotate the head from side to side and extend the head.
Longus capitis is a long flat muscle of the anterior neck. It runs up the length of the cervical spine, adjacent to the vertebral bodies. Longus capitis muscle originates from its inferior aspect, as four small muscle straps that run from the anterior tubercles of transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.
What is the structure of the splenius capitis?
Structure. The splenius capitis is deep to sternocleidomastoideus at the mastoid process, and to the trapezius for its lower portion. It is one of the muscles that forms the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck. The splenius capitis muscle is innervated by the posterior ramus of spinal nerves C3 and C4 .
What is innervated by the longus capitis?
The longus capitis muscle is innervated by anterior rami of the spinal nerves C1-C3 and occasionally C4, that are the branches of the cervical plexus . Longus capitis is supplied from the muscular branches of the ascending cervical artery and the inferior thyroid artery.
What vessels supply blood to the longus capitis?
Longus capitis is supplied from the muscular branches of the ascending cervical artery and the inferior thyroid artery. Venous blood is drained by the vertebral vein which arises in the suboccipital triangle from numerous muscle branches from the internal vertebral venous plexuses.