Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Description

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Ultrasonography image of the rectus capitis posterior major and oblique capitis superior muscles in cross-sectional view (Abbreviations: OCS, Oblique capitis superior; RCPM, Rectus capitis posterior major; SpCap, Splenius capitis; SsCap, Semispinalis capitis; U.Trap, Upper trapezius)

Name

• Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
• Rectus capitis dorsalis major muscle
• Greater posterior rectus capitis

General

• One of the suboccipital muscles involved in head extension and rotation
• Plays a role in postural control and may be implicated in cervicogenic headaches

Origin

• Spinous process of vertebra C2

Insertion

• Occipital bone (inferior nuchal line, middle 1/3)

Actions

• Bilateral: Extension of head
• Unilateral: Rotation of head to same side

Vascular Supply

• Vertebral Artery
• Occipital Artery (Deep Descending Branch)

Innervation

• Suboccipital Nerve (Posterior ramus of cervical spinal nerve C1)

---

Clinical Significance

• Cervicogenic Headache

---

See Also

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

---