What is the relationship between sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis?

What is the relationship between sternocleidomastoid and splenius capitis?

Functions. Biletaral contraction of splenius capitis results in extension of the head on the neck. When it contracts unilaterally, it acts in synergy with the contralateral sternocleidomastoid muscle, resulting in lateral flexion and rotation of the head towards the ipsilateral side.

How is Sternocleidomastoid syndrome diagnosed?

Imaging scans may be necessary for the doctor to get a detailed view of the muscles and surrounding structures. An ultrasound can help them diagnose trauma to the sternocleidomastoid, while an X-ray can rule out broken bones.

How do you test for splenius capitis?

The most effective way to confirm the diagnosis of Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome is to put digital pressure at the superior nuchal line between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid mucles at the nuchal line.

Why is the Splenius capitis muscle important?

Function. The splenius capitis muscle is a prime mover for head extension. The splenius capitis can also allow lateral flexion and rotation of the cervical spine.

What is the function of the Splenius Cervicis?

Musculus splenius cervicis is one of the deep (or intrinsic) muscles of the cervical and thoracic spine. Its fibres run superiorly and laterally. It assists in ipsilateral cervical side flexion and rotation, when both splenius cervicis muscles contract they extend the cervical spine.

What is the main action of the splenius capitis?

Action. Splenius capitis assists in supporting the head in the erect position. Acting unilaterally: lateral flexion of the head and neck and rotation the head to the same side (when working synergistically with sternocleidomastoid).

How do you test the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Test the right sternocleidomastoid muscle by facing the patient and placing your right palm laterally on the patient’s left cheek. Ask the patient to turn the head to the left, resisting the pressure you are exerting in the opposite direction.

How do you release Splenius muscle?

Here’s how you do it:

1. Sit with your chest up and looking straight ahead.
2. Gently push your chin back while looking straight ahead (so that you have a double chin)
3. Keep your head upright, don’t look up or down.
4. While holding your chin back with one hand, use your other hand to reach over the top of your head.

What is Splenius muscle?

Splenius capitis is a thick, flat muscle at the posterior aspect of the neck arising from the midline and extending superolaterally to the cervical vertebrae and, along with the splenius cervicis, comprise the superficial layer of intrinsic back muscles.

What supplies blood to the splenius capitis?

Blood Supply Muscular branches of the occipital artery from the external carotid artery. Dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta.

What are the Splenius muscles?

The splenius muscles wrap around the sides and back of the neck; they extend and laterally bend the neck and head, and rotate head to the same side (Conley et al., 1995). They are innervated by the medial branches of the dorsal rami of spinal nerves C2-C6.