What innervates the splenius capitis muscle?

The splenius capitis muscle is primarily innervated by the middle cervical spinal nerves, which typically include the dorsal rami of these nerves. This muscle is located in the posterior neck region and plays a crucial role in the extension and rotation of the head.

The middle cervical spinal nerves, particularly C3 to C6, provide the motor innervation necessary for the splenius capitis to function effectively. This is important for movements such as tilting the head backward and rotating it to the same side, making them critical for neck mobility.

While other spinal nerve groups, such as the lower cervical and upper cervical spinal nerves, have their roles in innervating different muscles in the neck and upper back, they do not provide the specific innervation for the splenius capitis. The thoracic spinal nerves, primarily associated with the innervation of muscles in the upper back and thoracic region, also do not innervate this muscle.

Thus, the understanding of the specific role of the middle cervical spinal nerves in innervating the splenius capitis highlights the muscle's function in neck movement and posture.