The splenius cervicis originates from spinous processes of which vertebrae?

• A. Spinous processes of C7-T1
• B. Spinous processes of T3-T6
• C. Transverse processes of C1-C3
• D. Iliac crest

Answer: (B)

Splenius cervicis has its origin in the spinous processes of the middle to lower thoracic spine, specifically T3 through T6. From there, it fibers upward to attach to the transverse processes of the upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3). This placement lets the muscle extend and rotate the neck when both sides act together, or bend and rotate it to the same side when it contracts on one side.

Other options don’t fit because:

• Spinous processes of C7–T1 would place the origin higher than where splenius cervicis starts.

• Transverse processes of C1–C3 describe the insertion, not the origin.

• Iliac crest is unrelated to this muscle (it’s a landmark for other muscles like latissimus dorsi).

So, the origin is the spinous processes of T3 through T6.