Rectus capitis muscles
This group includes two muscles extending from the vertebrae to the occipital bone, primarily providing extension:
- Rectus capitis posterior minor (m. rectus capitis posterior minor). It originates from the first cervical vertebra (the atlas). Its fibers run superiorly and attach to the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone. The primary function of this muscle is to extend the head. Like most muscles in this group, it receives motor impulses from the suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis, C1 segment).
- Rectus capitis posterior major (m. rectus capitis posterior major). It originates lower down, from the second cervical vertebra (the axis). Its site of attachment on the skull is located just below the nuchal line (linea nuchae). Bilateral contraction assists in head extension, while unilateral contraction rotates the head to the same side.
Oblique capitis muscles
The oblique muscles are angled relative to the midline and actively participate in complex movements of the craniocervical junction:
- Obliquus capitis superior (m. obliquus capitis superior). Originates from the transverse process of the atlas. Its fibers ascend and insert into the occipital bone in the area between the nuchal lines.
- Obliquus capitis inferior (m. obliquus capitis inferior). Unlike the superior oblique, it connects two vertebrae to each other: it originates from the spinous process of the axis and extends to the transverse process of the atlas. The main function of this muscle is head rotation.
Blood supply
Uninterrupted function of the suboccipital muscle group requires an adequate arterial blood supply. Two main vessels supply this region:
- Vertebral artery (a. vertebralis).
- Deep cervical artery (a. cervicalis profunda).
Related topographical and clinical facts
When studying the anatomy of the head and neck, it is important to remember several critical structures and zones:
- The subaponeurotic space of the scalp poses a clinical hazard. If an infection enters this area, it can spread extremely rapidly, reaching the eyelids and nose.
- Facial nerve (n. facialis). Damage to this nerve causes pronounced facial asymmetry. A prominent symptom is lagophthalmos—the inability to close the eyelids completely due to paralysis of the orbicularis oculi muscle (m. orbicularis oculi).
- Parotid duct. Along its course, it pierces the buccinator muscle (m. buccinator) and opens into the oral vestibule precisely at the level of the second upper molar.
For rectus muscles: "Minor from the first, Major from the second" — the rectus capitis posterior minor originates from the first vertebra (atlas), and the major from the second (axis).
Class and exam questions
Which nerve innervates the rectus capitis posterior minor?
It is innervated by the suboccipital nerve (n. suboccipitalis), which is a branch of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1).
What happens during unilateral contraction of the rectus capitis posterior major?
During unilateral contraction, this muscle rotates the head to its own side (ipsilaterally).
What is the clinical hazard of the subaponeurotic space of the scalp?
It is characterized by the rapid spread of purulent infection, which can easily extend to the eyelids and nose.
What else to study on this topic
- Anatomy of the first (atlas) and second (axis) cervical vertebrae
- Course and branching of the vertebral artery
- Topography of the suboccipital nerve
- Clinical presentation of facial nerve palsy
- Anatomy of the parotid gland and its excretory duct
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