semispinalis capitis

semispinalis cap·i·tis

noun \-ˈkap-ət-əs\

Definition of SEMISPINALIS CAPITIS

: a deep longitudinal muscle of the back that arises especially from the transverse processes of the upper six or seven thoracic and the seventh cervical vertebrae, is inserted on the outer surface of the occipital bone between two ridges behind the foramen magnum, and acts to extend and rotate the head—called also complexus