splenius

American  

[splee-nee-uhs] / ˈspli ni əs /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

splenii

1. a broad muscle on each side of the back of the neck and the upper part of the thoracic region, the action of which draws the head backward and assists in turning it to one side.

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splenius British  

/ ˈspliːnɪəs /

noun

1. anatomy either of two flat muscles situated at the back of the neck that rotate, flex, and extend the head and neck

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Other Word Forms

• splenial adjective
• subsplenial adjective

Etymology

Origin of splenius

1725–35; < New Latin, for Latin splēnium < Greek splēníon plaster, patch

Example Sentences

In the dog and cat they are: a portion of a muscle which we do not normally meet with in man—the omo-trachelian—then in a decreasing extent: supraspinatus, levator anguli scapulæ and splenius.

From Project Gutenberg

The trapezius, the splenius, the scaleni, and the levator scapulæ muscle may also undergo shortening, along with their investing sheaths derived from the cervical fascia.

From Project Gutenberg

These separate superior attachments, and the division of the muscle which results, have caused the splenius to be regarded as formed of two portions: splenius of the head, and splenius of the neck.

From Project Gutenberg

This latter relation is also found in the ox, but the splenius in this case is but slightly developed.

From Project Gutenberg

When the splenius contracts it extends the head and neck, while inclining them to its own side.

From Project Gutenberg