Name

# Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Pronunciation

(REK-tus CAP-i-tus post-E-ri-or MAJ-or)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Spinous process of axis (C2)

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Inferior nuchal line

Action/Relevance

Bilaterally extends headRotates head to contracted side

Innervation

Suboccipital nerve (dorsal rami of C1)

Notes

Rectus capitis posterior major is one of the muscles of the suboccipital triangle in the neck. It arises from the spinous process of the axis vertebra (C2). On each side it ascends superolaterally a short distance to insert into the lateral half of the inferior nuchal line of the skull.

It is innervated by the suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of first cervical nerve).

Rectus capitis posterior major acts to:

* extend the atlanto-occipital joint

* rotate the atlanto-occipital joint ipsilaterally