Semispinalis

Description

Posterior neck and upper thorax anatomy is presented with the semispinalis capitis and semispinalis cervicis highlighted along the midline of a male back. Semispinalis capitis lies deep to splenius capitis in situ, ascending superomedially from the upper thoracic and lower cervical transverse processes to the occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines. Inferior to it, semispinalis cervicis runs from upper thoracic transverse processes to the spinous processes of C2 to C5, positioned medial to the more laterally placed levator scapulae and rhomboid attachments that relate to the visible scapular borders. Cervical vertebrae and the occiput anchor the muscle mass. This posterior exposure matters because semispinalis capitis is one of the primary suboccipital-adjacent extensors implicated in cervicogenic headache patterns and in whiplash-associated disorders, where deep extensor dysfunction and tenderness track close to the nuchal attachments. In posterior cervical approaches, the semispinalis capitis attachment to C2 is a key landmark, and detachment or inadequate repair can contribute to postoperative axial neck pain and loss of extension strength. Relationship to the cervical spinous processes also helps explain why midline pain can persist even when more superficial muscles appear intact. Use this artwork for teaching the transversospinalis group in gross anatomy, kinesiology, and spine-focused physical therapy curricula, and for illustrating posterior cervical dissection planes in neurosurgery or orthopedic spine publications. It also fits patient-facing materials on deep neck extensor strain, targeted strengthening, and posture-related neck pain where accurate origins and insertions matter. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.