What Does The Splenius Muscle Do In A Horse?

The Splenius muscle originates from the thoracic spinous processes found in the withers and the Nuchal Ligament, and inserts in to the poll and c1-c4. The Splenius is responsible for lifting and extending the neck, providing lateral flexion through the neck and stabilising the head and neck.

What is the action of splenius?

Action. Splenius capitis assists in supporting the head in the erect position. Acting unilaterally: lateral flexion of the head and neck and rotation the head to the same side (when working synergistically with sternocleidomastoid).

Where is the splenius muscle located horse?

L O C A T I O N : Runs from the top of the horses poll and ends mid wither. Stabilises the head and neck in movement.

What movement does the Splenius capitis muscle perform?

The splenius capitis is a deep muscle of the neck. It originates from the lower half of the nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the 7th cervical vertebra and the superior 3 thoracic vertebrae. It inserts onto the mastoid process of the temporal bone. It acts to laterally flex and rotate the neck.

What muscles do horses use to walk?

One the limb has moved up and forwards underneath the horse towards it’s center of gravity, the stifle is extended by the quadriceps femoris muscle group. The hock simultaneously extends via the tendinous superficial flexorand tendinous cord in the gastrocnemius.

What is the splenius?

The splenius capitis (/ˈspliːniəs ˈkæpɪtɪs/) (from Greek spléníon ‘bandage’, and Latin caput ‘head’) is a broad, straplike muscle in the back of the neck. It pulls on the base of the skull from the vertebrae in the neck and upper thorax. It is involved in movements such as shaking the head. Splenius capitis muscle.

What does splenius mean in anatomy?

splenius (plural splenii) (anatomy) Either of two flat oblique muscles which are attached to the vertebrae on each side of the neck and upper thoracic region and which draw back the head.

What causes splenius capitis pain?

The onset of pain is often caused by motor vehicular trauma, blunt trauma, falls, and, in particular, postural situations where superior and inferior lateral oblique movements of the head on the neck occur.

How do you strengthen your splenius muscle?

Sit on a chair and let the head drop forward as much as possible. Place one or both hands on the head so the fingertips are touching the skull bone. Exhale and apply pressure gradually to deepen the stretch in the back of the neck. Hold the position for a couple minutes.

What are the two splenius muscles?

The splenius group has two parts; the splenius capitis arises from the spinous processes of C7-T4 and the nuchal ligament and inserts into the mastoid process and lateral third of the superior nuchal line; the splenius cervicis arises from the spinous processes of T3-T6 and inserts into the posterior tubercles of the

What is the main action produced by the splenius muscles when they contract bilaterally?

[1] Action[edit | edit source] Splenius capitis assists in supporting the head in the erect position. [1] Acting bilaterally: extension of the head and cervical spine Acting unilaterally: lateral flexion of the head and neck and rotation the head to the same side (when working synergistically with sternocleidomastoid).

What muscle flexes the head and neck?

Sternocleidomastoid
Sternocleidomastoid: One of the largest muscles in the neck, helping you move your head, extend your neck and control your temporomandibular joint (in the jaw). It begins just behind your ear and stretches to your collarbone.

What is the strongest muscle in a horse?

Longissimus dorsi
The Longissimus dorsi is the strongest muscle in a horse’s body. It originates from the last four cervical vertebrae and extends down the spine to the pelvis. This muscle raises and supports the head and neck and is used for rearing, kicking, jumping, and turning. It also is used to support riders.

How do you improve your horses walk?

Try to get several slow steps in a row, then increase the pushing motion of your hips to transition your horse to a more forward walk or even a jog. (Always provide plenty of transitions as you work on this exercise—never do the Old Man Walk for more than a dozen or so steps at a time.)

How do you strengthen a horse’s hind legs?

Riding over ground poles or raised poles: This encourages your horse to actively lift its legs and engage muscles of the hind quarters for better ground clearance and range of motion. Hills: The most challenging hind quarter strengthening is walking or trotting up hills.

How do you palpate splenius?

Place one finger on your sternocleidomastoid, rotate your neck to the opposite site and feel this muscle contracting. Then, move your finger slightly – maybe 1 cm – towards your spine until you feel a tiny well – not deeper than 0.5 cm –. Now you can palpate the splenius capitis.

Is the splenius muscle in the front of the neck?

The Splenius capitis is a strap like, broad muscle located on the back of the neck. It pulls on the skull’s base from the vertebrae in the upper thorax and the neck.

What muscle is the antagonist to the splenius capitis?

Sternocleidomastoid
The antagonist of the splenius capitis muscle is the Sternocleidomastoid. The splenius captis is located on the lateral side of the C7. The muscle allows the head and vertebrae to extend.

What movements are caused by unilateral splenius contraction?

Unilateral contraction of the splenius cervicis muscle produces extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the neck, turning the face toward the same side.

How is splenius capitis treated?

Clinical treatment of Splenius Capitis Muscle Syndrome involves injections of anesthesia into the affected area. Minimally-invasive surgical procedures can be used to permanently reduce nerve function within the muscle.

How do you fix splenius capitis pain?

Here’s how you do it:

1. Sit with your chest up and looking straight ahead.
2. Gently push your chin back while looking straight ahead (so that you have a double chin)
3. Keep your head upright, don’t look up or down.
4. While holding your chin back with one hand, use your other hand to reach over the top of your head.