Insertion of spinalis cervicis?

• A. Spinous processes of C7-T2
• B. Transverse processes of C1-C3
• C. Spinous processes of C2-C5
• D. Mastoid process

Answer: (C)

Spinalis cervicis is the deep, medial part of the erector spinae that attaches to the spinous processes of the upper cervical vertebrae. It specifically inserts on the spinous processes of C2 through C5. This placement aligns with its role in extending the neck and helping maintain erect posture, working with nearby neck extensors.

Why this fits best: inserting on the spinous processes of C2–C5 matches the cervical position of this muscle and its function of fine-tuning neck extension. The other options don’t fit because:

• Spinous processes from C7 to T2 would be more consistent with a lower thoracic region insertion, not the cervicis part.

• Transverse processes would indicate a muscle like the longissimus or iliocostalis, which attach to transverse processes rather than the spinous processes.

• The mastoid process is a site for muscles like splenius capitis and sternocleidomastoid, not spinalis cervicis.