Where does splenius capitis insert?

Where does splenius capitis insert?

• A. Zygomatic bone
• B. Mastoid process and the superior nuchal line
• C. Spinous processes C7-T6
• D. Inferior nuchal line

Answer: (B)

The key idea is where the splenius capitis attaches to the skull. This muscle runs from the lower neck back to the skull and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. That placement lets it help extend the head and rotate it to the same side. Why the other options don’t fit: the zygomatic bone is a facial bone, not a site for this muscle’s insertion. The spinous processes C7–T6 are the origin, not insertion, for splenius capitis. The inferior nuchal line is on the occipital bone, but this muscle attaches to the superior nuchal line, not the inferior one.

The key idea is where the splenius capitis attaches to the skull. This muscle runs from the lower neck back to the skull and inserts on the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone. That placement lets it help extend the head and rotate it to the same side.

Why the other options don’t fit: the zygomatic bone is a facial bone, not a site for this muscle’s insertion. The spinous processes C7–T6 are the origin, not insertion, for splenius capitis. The inferior nuchal line is on the occipital bone, but this muscle attaches to the superior nuchal line, not the inferior one.