The insertion of splenius capitis is on the mastoid process and which other landmark?

The insertion of splenius capitis is on the mastoid process and which other landmark?

• A. Zygomatic arch
• B. Mastoid process and the superior nuchal line
• C. Occipital condyle
• D. Spinous processes of C1-C3

Answer: (B)

The key idea is where splenius capitis attaches distally. This muscle travels from the lower neck up to the skull and inserts on two landmarks: the mastoid process and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. That dual insertion lets it act to extend the head when both sides contract and to rotate or laterally flex the head when it contracts on one side. The other options aren’t insertion sites for this muscle: the zygomatic arch is a facial bone landmark, the occipital condyle is a different part of the skull, and the spinous processes of C1–C3 are near the origin region rather than the insertion.

The key idea is where splenius capitis attaches distally. This muscle travels from the lower neck up to the skull and inserts on two landmarks: the mastoid process and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. That dual insertion lets it act to extend the head when both sides contract and to rotate or laterally flex the head when it contracts on one side. The other options aren’t insertion sites for this muscle: the zygomatic arch is a facial bone landmark, the occipital condyle is a different part of the skull, and the spinous processes of C1–C3 are near the origin region rather than the insertion.