This post reviews the anatomy of the posterior suboccipital muscles. Anterior suboccipital muscles are found in this post. The posts related to anterior suboccipital muscles are included in the grid below.
The suboccipital muscles attach the atlas and axis to the bottom of the occiput. They secure the head on the atlas and fine-tune the movement of the cranium on the atlas and axis.
Origin
- atlantoaxial vertebrae
Insertion
- atlantooccipital bones
Function
- Secure head on the neck
- fine-tune movements of the head
Innervation
- suboccipital nerve
Functional Considerations
This study shows how significant this tiny muscle is as a postural muscle and in relationship to the dural membranes. Another study shows how the atrophy of the muscles relates to trigger points. Still, another study shows how fat infiltrates of these muscles influence headaches in older women.
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
Origin
- transverse process of the axis
Insertion
- inferior nuchal line
Function
- extension of the head
- rotation of the head
Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
Origin
- posterior tubercle of the atlas
Insertion
- superior nuchal line
Function
extension of the head
Obliquus Capitis Superior
Origin
- transverse process of the atlas
Insertion
- inferior nuchal line
Function
- extension of the head
Obliquus Capitis Inferior
Origin
- spinous process of the axis
Insertion
- transverse process of the atlas.
Function
- extension and of the atlas on the axis
- rotation of the atlas on the axis
Click here for the Wikipedia entry for Suboccipital muscles
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