Where does Splenius capitis insert?

Where does Splenius capitis insert?

• A. Mastoid process
• B. Transverse processes C1-C3
• C. Nuchal line
• D. Spinous processes C7-T3

Answer: (A)

Insertion location tells you how splenius capitis moves the head. This muscle travels from the lower neck and upper back up to the skull, attaching mainly to the mastoid process of the temporal bone (and also to the nearby superior nuchal line of the occipital bone). That mastoid attachment is what allows the muscle to pull the head backward and to rotate it toward the same side when it contracts. The transverse processes of C1–C3 belong to splenius cervicis, not capitis; the nuchal line is another occipital attachment but not the primary end point here; and the spinous processes of C7–T3 are part of its origin, not where it inserts.

Insertion location tells you how splenius capitis moves the head. This muscle travels from the lower neck and upper back up to the skull, attaching mainly to the mastoid process of the temporal bone (and also to the nearby superior nuchal line of the occipital bone). That mastoid attachment is what allows the muscle to pull the head backward and to rotate it toward the same side when it contracts. The transverse processes of C1–C3 belong to splenius cervicis, not capitis; the nuchal line is another occipital attachment but not the primary end point here; and the spinous processes of C7–T3 are part of its origin, not where it inserts.