Genick

Genick is the back part of the neck, commonly referred to in English as the nape of the neck or the nuchal region. In anatomical terms, it designates the posterior aspect of the cervical area, extending from the base of the skull down to roughly the upper part of the thoracic spine. The genick includes skin, fascia, muscles, and ligaments that cover and stabilize the upper spinal column.

The bony landmarks in this region include the occipital bone of the skull and the upper cervical vertebrae, particularly the first two cervical vertebrae (C1, the atlas, and C2, the axis). The joints between the skull and the first cervical vertebra (atlanto-occipital joints) and between C1 and C2 (atlantoaxial joints) enable most of the head’s nodding and rotational movements. A key connective structure is the ligamentum nuchae, a thickened band of elastic tissue running from the external occipital protuberance and the superior nuchal line down to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae, which helps support the head and limit excessive flexion.

Muscles in the genick region include the trapezius (upper fibers), splenius capitis, and semispinalis capitis, along with several deep suboccipital muscles. These muscles work together to extend, rotate, and stabilize the head and neck, while the surrounding fascia and posture muscles maintain alignment.

Common issues affecting the genick include muscle strain, tension, and whiplash injuries following rapid acceleration-deceleration. Such problems can contribute to neck pain and headaches but are typically treated with rest, physical therapy, and posture or movement adjustments.