📖 Static demo — read-only snapshot
You’re browsing a static build of the Body IQ knowledge graph, so everything loads with no backend. A few things that need the live server are turned off here:
- Global search (sidebar) is disabled — it queries the API.
- The JSON API and the API “Try it” playgroundaren’t included.
- The data is a snapshot — it refreshes only when the demo is rebuilt, not live from the database.
Everything else — the body map, progression ladders, coverage heatmap, exercise finder, and all anatomy/exercise/source pages — works fully. The full app (live search + API + database) runs from the source on GitHub.
Semispinalis Capitis
Large posterior cervical muscle. The primary cervical extensor with the greatest force-generating capacity (along with semispinalis cervicis).
Draft95%
Anatomy
- Origin
- Transverse processes of C4-T6
- Insertion
- Between superior and inferior nuchal lines of occipital bone
- Action
- Bilateral: cervical and head extension; Unilateral: ipsilateral lateral flexion
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves (C1-C6)
- Blood Supply
- Deep cervical artery, occipital artery
Movements (4)
| Movement | Joint | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Cervical Extension | Atlantooccipital Joint | Primary | Preferentially activated during upper cervical extension; T2 shifts at C2-3 (p=0.03) [Elliott 2010] |
| Cervical Extension | Cervical Intervertebral Joints (C2-C7) | Primary | Greatest force-generating capacity |
| Cervical Lateral Flexion | Cervical Intervertebral Joints (C2-C7) | Secondary | Ipsilateral |
| Cervical Rotation | Cervical Intervertebral Joints (C2-C7) | Secondary | Ipsilateral |
Exercises (9)
| Exercise | Role |
|---|---|
| Prone Cervical Extension | Primary |
| Deep Neck Extensor Endurance | Secondary |
| Upper Cervical (Suboccipital) Exercise with Release | Secondary |
| Upper Cervical Extension Control | Synergist |
| Supine Chin Tuck with Liftoff | lengthening |
| Sitting Craniocervical Flexion with Oblique Band Resistance | lengthening |
| Chin Tuck with Overpressure | lengthening |
| Seated Cervical Flexion AROM | lengthening |
| Deep Neck Flexor Training (Chin Tucks with Pressure Biofeedback) | lengthening |
Sources
- Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation — Anatomy of Semispinalis Capitis — origin, insertion, action, innervation
- Muscles: Testing and Function with Posture and Pain — Manual muscle testing for Semispinalis Capitis