Rectus Capitis Anterior

Description

Rectus Capitis Anterior

Rectus capitis anterior and rectus capitis lateralis

Muscles attachments on the inferior surface of the pars basilaris. The pars basilaris shown represents the normal morphology of this bone in a perinate (38-42 gestational weeks). The red lines indicate where the muscle attachments and soft tissue structures are located.</ref>

Name

• Rectus Capitis Anterior
• Obliquus Capitis Superior
• Musculus Rectus Capitis Anterior
• Rectus Capitis Anticus Minor
• Anterior Rectus Muscle of the Head
• Rectus Capitis Anticus
• Deep Anterior Cervical Muscle
• Prevertebral Cervical Muscle

General

• One of the deep muscles of the anterior neck
• Assists in neck flexion at the atlantooccipital joint
• One of the deep prevertebral neck muscles

Gross Anatomy

• Origin: Anterior surface of lateral mass and transverse process of atlas
• Insertion: Inferior surface of basilar part of occipital bone

Action

• Atlantooccipital joint: Head flexion
• Stabilization of the atlanto-occipital joint

Innervation

• Cervical Plexus: Anterior rami of spinal nerves C1, C2

Vascular Supply

• Vertebral Artery
• Ascending Pharyngeal Artery

---

Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Can contribute to Cervicogenic Headache
• Whiplash injuries
• Upper cervical strain

---

See Also

• Neck Anatomy Main
• Physical Exam Neck
• Neck Pain Main

---