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Muscles/Neck

Neck

Set of interspinales cervicis

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Tiny paired muscles between spinous processes of cervical vertebrae, aiding neck extension and stabilization. They help maintain posture during upper body lifts. Relevant for neck strength in fitness routines.

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Common Pain & Injury

Strain causes midline neck pain with extension; common in whiplash. See doctor for radiating pain or headaches.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Caudal aspect of spinous process of inferior vertebra (base of lower neck bone projection).

Insertion

Cranial aspect of spinous process of superior vertebra (tip of upper neck bone projection).

Actions

  • Extension of cervical spine (tilting head back)
  • Stabilization of cervical vertebrae

Innervation

Posterior rami of cervical spinal nerves (back branches of neck nerves).

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Longus colliAnterior scalenes

Synergists

Semispinalis cervicisSplenius cervicis

Trigger Points

Between spinous processes; refer to occiput and upper neck.

Stretches

1Chin tuck stretch
2Neck extensor stretch
3Cervical flexion hold

Common Conditions

Cervical facet syndromeInterspinous ligament sprain

Anatomical Parts

Set of interspinales cervicis

FAQ

What are interspinales cervicis?

Small extensors between cervical spinous processes for neck stability.

Exercises for Set of interspinales cervicis

8

Also Works Set of interspinales cervicis

1

Related Neck Muscles

arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.

Neck Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use Set of interspinales cervicis

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide