Definition

Noun: A paired muscle located at the back of the neck. It is a flat, broad muscle that connects the upper vertebrae of the spine to the base of the skull. Its primary functions are to rotate, flex (bend forward), and extend (bend backward) the head and neck.

Usage

The term "splenius muscle" is used in anatomical and medical contexts to describe this specific structure. It is often discussed in relation to neck movement, posture, and pain. - The splenius muscle on the right side contracts to help turn the head to the left. - Stiffness in the splenius muscle can contribute to tension headaches. - During the examination, the physiotherapist palpated the patient's splenius muscle for signs of tenderness.

Advanced Usage

• "Splenius capitis" and "Splenius cervicis": The splenius muscle is divided into two distinct parts based on its points of attachment. The splenius capitis attaches to the skull, while the splenius cervicis attaches to the cervical (neck) vertebrae. These are considered the two specific muscles that together are referred to as the splenius muscles.
  • The splenius capitis is the superior portion of the splenius muscle group.

Variants and Related Words

• Splenius (noun): Often used as a shortened, informal form of "splenius muscle."
  • The patient has a strained splenius.
• Splenial (adjective): Relating to the splenius muscle.
  • Splenial pain is common in whiplash injuries.

Synonyms

• Neck extensor: A functional description, as the splenius muscle is one of the primary muscles that extends the neck.
• Posterior cervical muscle: A general anatomical term for muscles at the back of the neck, which includes the splenius.

Related Phrases

• Splenius muscle strain: An injury to the muscle characterized by pain and limited movement.
  • The athlete was diagnosed with a splenius muscle strain after the collision.
• Splenius muscle spasm: A sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle causing pain and stiffness.
  • Stress can sometimes trigger a painful splenius muscle spasm.

Noun

1. either of two flat muscles that extend from the upper vertebrae to the base of the skull and serve to rotate or flex or extend the head and neck