Suboccipital Muscles
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major Muscle
Origin: Spinous process of axis (C2)
Insertion: Lateral half of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Action: Extension of the head
Innervation: Posterior Primary Ramus of C1
Blood Supply: Branches from the vertebral artery
Primary Actions of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major Muscle
1. Extension of the head on the neck when acting bilaterally
Agonists:
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
- Obliquus Capitis Superior
Antagonists:
- Rectus Capitis Anterior
2. Ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
- Obliquus Capitis Inferior
Antagonists:
- Obliquus Capitis Inferior on the opposite side
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Origin: Posterior tubercle of atlas (C1)
Insertion: Medial half of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Action: Extension of the head
Innervation: Posterior Primary Ramus of C1
Blood Supply: Branches from the vertebral artery
Primary Actions of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor Muscle
1. Extension of the head on the neck when acting bilaterally
Agonists:
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
- Obliquus Capitis Superior
Antagonists:
- Rectus Capitis Anterior
Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle
Origin: Superior surface of the transverse process of C1 (atlas)
Insertion: Lateral half of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Action: Extension of the head, lateral flexion of the head
Innervation: Posterior Primary Ramus of C1
Blood Supply: Branches from the vertebral artery
Primary Actions of the Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle
1. Extension of the head on the neck when acting bilaterally
Agonists:
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Major,
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Antagonists:
- Rectus Capitis Anterior
2. Lateral flexion of the head on the neck when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
- Rectus Capitis Lateralis
Antagonists:
- Rectus Capitis Lateralis on opposite side
Obliquus Capitis Inferior Muscle
Origin: Lateral surface of the spinous process and adjacent laminae of C2 (axis)
Insertion: Inferoposterior aspect of the transverse process of C1 (atlas)
Action: Rotates the head to the contracted side
Innervation: Posterior Primary Ramus of C1
Blood Supply: Branches from the vertebral artery
Primary Actions of the Obliquus Capitis Inferior Muscle
1. Ipsilateral rotation of the cervical spine when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
Antagonists:
- Rectus Capitis Posterior Major on opposite side
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For pain and symptom information see: Suboccipital Muscles Pain and Symptoms
An excellent book for those beginning the study of anatomy. Coloring helps memory retention.
For intermediary anatomy students learning skeletal and muscle structure.
For beginning and intermediary anatomy . Muscle overlays on the human body. Excellent visuals!
