Semispinalis cervicis muscle

The semispinalis cervicis is the cranial continuation of the semispinalis thoracis

Origin: Arises from the tendon of the most cranial thoracic segment of the semispinalis thoracis and from the cranial border of the first thoracic spine.

Insertion: On the spinous processes of the fifth to second cervical vertebrae.

Action: To fix the thoracic vertebral column and to raise the neck.

Nerve: Medial branch of the dorsal branches of the cervical and thoracic nerves.