Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

 


Description[edit | edit source]

Musculus rectus capitis posterior minor is a member of the suboccipital group of muscles along with rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, and obliquus capitis inferior.[1]

Rectus capitis posterior minor.png Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle animation small.gif

Origin[edit | edit source]

Tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas (C1)[2]
 

Insertion[edit | edit source]

Medial portion of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone[2]
 

Nerve Supply[edit | edit source]

Suboccipital nerve or dorsal ramus of cervical spinal nerve (C1)[3]
 

Blood Supply[edit | edit source]

The muscle receives its blood supply from the vertebral artery and the deep descending branch of the occipital artery.[3]
 

Action[edit | edit source]

Extension of the head[2]
 

Function[edit | edit source]

A postural muscle that monitors the position of the head.[3]
 

References
[edit | edit source]