Origin of Splenius cervicis includes which structure?

• A. Nuchal ligament and C7-T3/4
• B. Spinous processes C2-C5
• C. Transverse processes C5-C7
• D. Mastoid process

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is where splenius cervicis starts. This muscle has a proximal attachment that includes the lower part of the nuchal ligament and spinous processes in the upper thoracic region, typically described as around C7 through T3 or T4. That combination—nuchal ligament plus those specific spinal levels—explains why the option that lists the nuchal ligament and C7-T3/4 as the origin best fits the classic description of splenius cervicis origins. The other options don’t align with this pattern: the mastoid process is an insertion for the splenius capitis, not an origin for cervicis; and origins that cite only cervical spinous processes or transverse processes don’t match the cervicis origin range. Splenius cervicis then inserts on the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C3) and functions to extend, rotate, and laterally flex the neck, with innervation from the dorsal rami of spinal nerves.