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Belly muscle of head
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The belt muscle of the head (m. Splenitis capitis) lies anterior to the upper part of the sternum-mastoid and trapezius muscles. It begins on the lower half of the ligamentous ligament (below the level of the IV cervical vertebra), on the spinous processes of the 7th cervical and the upper three to four thoracic vertebrae. The tufts of this muscle go upwards and laterally and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone and to the site under the lateral part of the superior occipital line of the occipital bone.
Function: with bilateral contraction, the muscles unbend the cervical part of the spine and the head. With one-sided contraction, the muscle turns its head in its direction.
Innervation: posterior branches of cervical spinal nerves (CIII-CVIII).
Blood supply: occipital artery, deep cervical artery.
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