Rectus Capitis Posterior Major (Left) (Musculus rectus capitis posterior major)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A prominent triangular suboccipital muscle forming the superomedial boundary of the suboccipital triangle. It arises from the spinous process of the axis (C2) and ascends obliquely outward to insert into the lateral portion of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface below it. It acts bilaterally to extend the head and unilaterally to rotate the face toward the ipsilateral side.
Origin & insertion
From the apex of the spinous process of the axis (C2), into the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the bone below it.
Action
Extends the head at the atlanto-occipital joint; unilaterally rotates the head and chin to the same side at the atlanto-axial joint.
Innervation
Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1 spinal nerve).
Clinical notes
A connective tissue bridge (myodural bridge) links the rectus capitis posterior major to the cranial and upper cervical dura mater; tension or hypertrophy here contributes to cervicogenic headaches.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major (Left)?
A prominent triangular suboccipital muscle forming the superomedial boundary of the suboccipital triangle. It arises from the spinous process of the axis (C2) and ascends obliquely outward to insert into the lateral portion of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface below it. It acts bilaterally to extend the head and unilaterally to rotate the face toward the ipsilateral side.
Why is the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major (Left) clinically important?
A connective tissue bridge (myodural bridge) links the rectus capitis posterior major to the cranial and upper cervical dura mater; tension or hypertrophy here contributes to cervicogenic headaches.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details