Spinalis colli muscle
Musculus spinalis colli
Spinalis colli is an inconstant deep neck muscle running from the lower nuchal ligament and upper spines to the spine of C2.
At a glance
- English
- Spinalis colli muscle
- Latin (TA2)
- Musculus spinalis colli
- System
- Muscle
- Region
- Neck
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the spinalis colli muscle
Spinalis colli, also called spinalis cervicis, is the neck portion of the spinalis column of erector spinae, the column that lies closest to the spinous processes. It is inconstant: in many people it is missing, and when present it is often small and joined to neighbouring muscles. It lies deep to splenius and semispinalis capitis and beside the midline of the neck.
Its fibres come from the bottom end of the nuchal ligament and the spine of C7, and in some bodies also from the spines of T1 and T2. From there it runs upward close to the midline and ends on the spine of the axis. Sometimes extra slips also reach the spines of C3 and C4, just below the axis.
Since it connects spine to spine, the muscle works as an extensor of the neck when both sides contract, helping to hold the cervical curve and keep the head balanced over the trunk. A small contribution to bending the neck to one side is possible when one side acts alone. Its main value may be in fine control and sensing of neck position rather than in force.
Like the other parts of the spinalis column, it is supplied segment by segment by branches of the dorsal rami. Its absence causes no deficit because semispinalis cervicis, multifidus and the interspinales cover the same ground. Surgeons approaching the back of the cervical spine pass through this region, and knowing that the muscle may be absent avoids confusion during dissection.
Attachments, action and supply
- Origin
- Bottom end of the nuchal ligament and spine of C7, sometimes also the spines of T1 and T2.
- Insertion
- Spine of the axis, occasionally also the spines of C3 and C4.
- Action
- Extends the neck when both sides act; may help to bend it to one side.
- Nerve supply
- Dorsal rami of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves.
- Blood supply
- Deep cervical artery and muscular branches of the vertebral and occipital arteries.
Anthromica
See the spinalis colli muscle where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
