In the cervical region, which deep muscle lies superficially between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid and can be palpated directly?

• A. Splenius capitis
• B. Semispinalis capitis
• C. Splenius cervicis
• D. Longus capitis

Answer: (A)

The muscle that sits just under the surface in the back of the neck and lies between the trapezius and the sternocleidomastoid, making it directly palpable, is the splenius capitis. It runs from the back of the neck up to the skull, attaching from the ligamentum nuchae and the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae to the mastoid process and the occipital bone. Because of its superficial position among the deep neck extensors, you can feel it as you gently palpate along the side of the neck, especially when the head is extended and rotated to the same side. The deeper muscle behind it, semispinalis capitis, sits closer to the midline and is not as easily palpated in that spot; the splenius cervicis lies lower and deeper as well. The longus capitis is an anterior neck flexor tucked in front of the vertebral column, not in the posterior-lateral region between trapezius and SCM.