Rectus Capitis Lateralis

Description
[edit | edit source]

 The rectus capitis lateralis is a paired muscle located in the neck.

RECTUS LAT.png
RECTUS2.PNG

Origin
[edit | edit source]

Superior surfaces of the transverse processes of the atlas [1]

Insertion[edit | edit source]

  Inferior surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone [2]

Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]

Anterior primary rami of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1)

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

The muscle receives blood from the ascending cervical artery, which is a small branch of the inferior thyroid artery from the thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery. It also receives blood from the muscular branches of the vertebral artery. The muscle also receives small muscular branches from the occipital artery as it passes it lateral aspect. [3]

Action[edit | edit source]

  • Stabilizes the head
  • Weakly assists with lateral flexion of the head [4]

References[edit | edit source]