Name

# Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Pronunciation

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

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Posterior tubercle of atlas (C1)

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Inferior nuchal line

Action/Relevance

Bilaterally extends head

Innervation

Suboccipital nerve (dorsal rami of C1)

Notes

Rectus capitis posterior minor is one of the muscles of the suboccipital region of the neck. It arises from the posterior tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas. On each side, it ascends superiorly a short distance to insert into the medial half of the inferior nuchal line of the skull.

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

Rectus capitis posterior minor acts to extend the atlanto-occipital joint.