Splenius capitis and Splenius cervicis share which origin feature?

Splenius capitis and Splenius cervicis share which origin feature?

• A. Origin includes C7-T3/4 and the nuchal ligament
• B. Origin includes Transverse processes C1-C3
• C. Origin includes Spinous processes T1-T6
• D. Origin includes the clavicle

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that both splenius muscles start from a common anchor in the back of the neck: the lower portion of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes around the C7 to T4 region. This shared proximal attachment is what ties them together and explains why an origin that includes C7–T4 and the nuchal ligament is the best description for both. Splenius capitis originates from that nuchal region and from the spinous processes C7–T4, then inserts on the skull and mastoid process. Splenius cervicis, while its primary growth is from the spinous processes of T3–T6, is still described with that same proximal neck anchor near the C7 region in many texts, linking it to the upper cervical area via the nuchal ligament. The clavicle isn’t part of their origin, and the other options describe regions or insertions rather than the shared proximal attachment.

The key idea is that both splenius muscles start from a common anchor in the back of the neck: the lower portion of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes around the C7 to T4 region. This shared proximal attachment is what ties them together and explains why an origin that includes C7–T4 and the nuchal ligament is the best description for both. Splenius capitis originates from that nuchal region and from the spinous processes C7–T4, then inserts on the skull and mastoid process. Splenius cervicis, while its primary growth is from the spinous processes of T3–T6, is still described with that same proximal neck anchor near the C7 region in many texts, linking it to the upper cervical area via the nuchal ligament. The clavicle isn’t part of their origin, and the other options describe regions or insertions rather than the shared proximal attachment.