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Spinalis capitis
Other Terms:
Musculus spinalis capitis,
Muscle épineux de la tête
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus spinalis capitis
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Epaxial muscle – Erector spinae – Spinalis
Etymology
The English name for this muscle is the muscle on the spines of the vertebrae in the thoracic region. Spinalis comes from the Latin spina meaning “thorn.” This term was applied to pointed projections and in the 14th century was applied to the vertebral column with all its palpable spinous processes that form the dorsal line of the backbone.The word capitis comes from the Latin caput meaning “head.”
Origin
Side of spinous process of C7
Insertion
Near the midline between superior and inferior nuchal lines of occipital bone
Action
Extension of the vertebral column and head.
Nerve supply
Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves (C1 to C3)
Blood supply
The muscle receives a blood supply from muscular branches of the vertebral artery via the subclavian and also from muscular branches of the occipital artery via the external carotid artery.
Latin
Musculus spinalis capitis
French
Muscle épineux de la tête