Name

# Obliquus Capitis Superior

Pronunciation

(0-BLEEK-us CAP-i-tis soo-PEER-i-or)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Spinous process of atlas (C1)

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Between superior & inferior nuchal line of occiput

Action/Relevance

Bilaterally: extends headLaterally: flexes to contracted side

Innervation

Suboccipital nerve (dorsal rami of C1)

Notes

It arises from the lateral mass of the atlas bone. It passes superiorly and posteriorly to insert into the lateral half of the inferior nuchal line. It is innervated by the suboccipital nerve, the dorsal ramus of the first spinal nerve.

It acts at the atlanto-occipital joint to extend the head and flex the head to the ipsilateral side.