Anatomy: Neck

Posterior Neck

Muscle	Attachements	Nerve Supply	Actions	Special Tests
Levator Scapulae	O: Transverse process of C1- C4 vertebrae I: Superior angle of scapula	Dorsal Scapular Nerve Cervical ( C3, C4) Nerve	– Elevates scapula	Levator Scapulae Strength and Length Tests
Splenius Capitus	O: Inferior half of nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7-T3 vertebrae I: Lateral aspect of mastoid process, lateral thirds of superior nuchal line	Posterior Rami of Middle Cervical Spinal Nerves	– Laterally flexes neck – Rotates neck to same side – Extends neck bilaterally	Posterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test
Splenius Cervicus	O: Spinous Processes of I: Transverse processes of C1 – C3/ C4 vertebrae	Posterior Rami of Middle Cervical Spinal Nerves	Laterally flexes neck – Rotates neck to same side – Extends neck bilaterally	Posterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test
Suboccipitals (Rectus capitis posterior mj; RCP+, Rectus capitis posterior minor; RCP-, Oblique capitis inferior; OSI, Oblique capitis superior; OCS)	RCP+ O: Spinous process of C2 vertebrae I: Lateral part of inferior nuchal line RCP- O: Posterior arch of C1 vertebrae I: Medial third of inferior nuchal line OCI O: Spinous process of C2 vertebrae I: Transverse process of C1 vertebrae OCS O: Transverse process of C1 I: Occipital bone between superior and inferior nuchal lines	Suboccipital Nerve	– Extend head at C1 – Rotated head at C1	Sub occipitals Length Test

Muscle	Attachements	Nerve Supply	Actions	Special Tests
Anterior Scalene	O: Transverse processes of C3- C6 I: 1^st rib	Cervical Spinal Nerve (C4- C6)	– Flexes neck laterally -Elevates 1^st rib during forced inspiration	Anterior Neck Flexors Strength Test, First Rib Mobility Test, Adson’s Test
Middle Scalene	O: Transverse processes of C4-C7 I: 1^st rib	Anterior Rami of cervical spinal nerves C7 and C8	– Flexes neck laterally – Elevates 1^st rib during forced inspiration	Travels Test
Posterior Scalene	O: Transverse processes of C4-C6 I: 2^nd rib	Anterior Rami of cervical spinal nerves C7 and C8	-Flexes neck laterally – Elevate2^nd rib during forced inspiration	Posterior Scalene’s Strength and Length Tests
Sternocleidomastoid	O: Lateral surface of mastoid process and lateral half of superior nuchal line I:Anterior surface of manubrium of sternum, superior surface of medial third of clavicle	Spinal Accessory Nerve	– Tilts head to same side -Rotates head so face is turned towards opposite side – Extends neck at C0-C1, bilaterally – Flexes cervical vertebrae bilaterally	Anterior Neck Flexors Strength Test, Anterolateral Neck Flexors Strength Test, Swallowing Test

Category: Anatomy