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Muscles/Neck

Neck

semispinalis capitis

sem-ee-spi-NAH-lis KAP-i-tis

This thick muscle spans upper thoracic and lower cervical to occiput, extending and rotating the head. Buffers heavy axial loads in powerlifters and stabilizes during shrugs. Key for countering forward head in tech users.

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Common Pain & Injury

Suboccipital headaches with neck stiffness. Pain on extension. See doc for trauma or vertigo.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Transverse processes of C4-T12 vertebrae? Wait, specifically upper: transverse C7-T12 to occiput

Insertion

Occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines

Actions

  • Head extension
  • Contralateral rotation
  • Lateral flexion

Innervation

Greater occipital nerve (C2) and posterior rami C3-C5

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

ScalenesSternocleidomastoid

Synergists

Splenius capitisTrapezius upper

Trigger Points

Refers to forehead, temple, and orbit.

Stretches

1Chin tuck
2Upper trap stretch
3Neck retraction

Common Conditions

Semispinalis strainCervicogenic headacheNuchal rigidity

Anatomical Parts

Left semispinalis capitisRight semispinalis capitis

FAQ

Semispinalis capitis pain?

Headaches from tension; massage occiput.

Semispinalis capitis function?

Extends and rotates head for posture.

Stretch semispinalis capitis?

Forward neck flexion gently.

Semispinalis capitis headache?

Trigger points refer forward; dry needling effective.

Exercises for semispinalis capitis

8

Also Works semispinalis capitis

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 semispinalis capitis

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide