Suboccipital muscles – Functional Anatomy

This post covers the anatomy of the suboccipital muscles, including the anterior suboccipital muscles. which are often described separately.

The suboccipital muscles attach the atlas and axis to the bottom of the occiput. They secure the head on the atlas and fine-tune movement of the cranium on the atlas and axis.

The posterior suboccipital muscles include:

  • Rectus capitis major
  • Rectus capitis minor
  • Obliquus capitis superior
  • Obliquus capitis inferior

The anterior sub-occipital muscles help to flex the head on the neck. They include:

  • rectus capitis anterior
  • rectus capitis lateralis

The Posterior Suboccipital muscles

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major attaches the transverse process of the axis to the inferior nuchal line.

Action: extension and rotation of the head

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor attaches to the posterior tubercle of the atlas and the superior nuchal line.

Action: extension of the head

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Obliquus Capitis Superior attaches to the transverse process of the atlas and the inferior nuchal line.

Action: extension of the head

Obliquus Capitis Interior

Obliquus Capitis Inferior attaches to the spinous process of the axis and the transverse process of the atlas.

Action: extension and rotation of the atlas on the axis.

Click here for the Wikipedia entry for Suboccipital muscles

The Anterior Suboccipital Muscles

Anterior Suboccipital Muscles

These muscles are often not included in the list of suboccipital muscles but are referred to as the anterior suboccipital muscles.

Rectus Capitis Anterior

Rectus Capitis Anterior attaches to the lateral mass and transverse process of the atlas and the basilar portion of the occiput.

Action: Flexion of the atlantooccipital joint

Rectus Capitis Lateralis

Rectus Capitis Lateralis Attaches to the jugular process of the occiput and the transverse process of the atlas.

Action: lateral flexion of the atlantooccipital joint

Posts related to Suboccipital Muscles Anatomy

This site is undergoing changes. Starting in early 2020, we began changing the format of the posts to include more extensive self-care, illustrations, therapist notes, anatomy, and protocols. We’d love your feedback. We are adding posts and converting the old posts as quickly as time permits.

Weekly Featured Post

Is the pain from
degenerative discs or
trigger points in the muscle?

This post discusses the differences in pain from disc problems and pain from trigger points. Who should you see to help with your pain?

Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia where he sees clients. He has written and taught about anatomy, trigger points, and cranial therapies since the mid-90s.

Question? Comment? Typo?
IntegrativeWorks.com
(404) 226-1363
integrativeworks@gmail.com

*This site is undergoing major changes. We are reformatting and expanding the posts to make it easier to read, more accessible, and
to include more patterns with better self-care. In the meanwhile, there will be inconsistency in formatting, content, and readability until we get the old posts updated. Please excuse our mess.