splenius(n = noun.body) splenius muscle - either of two flat muscles that extend from the upper vertebrae to the base of the skull and serve to rotate or flex or extend the head and neck;
is a kind of skeletal muscle, striated muscle
A flat muscle of the back of the neck. [1913 Webster]
splenius, n. (pl. splenii) Anat. either section of muscle on each side of the neck and back serving to draw back the head.
Derivative:
splenial adj.
Etymology:
mod.L f. Gk splenion bandage