splenius

[ splee-nee-uhs ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural sple·ni·i [splee, -nee-nee-ahy].

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.

splenius

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈsplenial, adjective

Other Words From

• spleni·al adjective
• sub·spleni·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splenius¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of splenius¹

C18: via New Latin from Greek splēnion a plaster

Example Sentences

If the splenius of one side contracts at the same time as that of the opposite, the extension takes place in a direct manner—that is to say, without any modifying lateral movement.

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

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

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