Rectus lateralis capitis muscle
Musculus rectus capitis lateralis
Rectus capitis lateralis is a short muscle joining the transverse process of the atlas to the jugular process of the occipital bone.
At a glance
- English
- Rectus lateralis capitis muscle
- Latin (TA2)
- Musculus rectus capitis lateralis
- System
- Muscle
- Region
- Neck
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the rectus lateralis capitis muscle
Rectus capitis lateralis is a short, flat muscle high at the side of the neck, just below the base of the skull. It lies lateral to the atlanto-occipital joint and behind the internal jugular vein, and is often grouped with the prevertebral muscles. It continues the line of the small intertransverse muscles of the neck up to the skull, and some regard it as the highest of them.
The muscle arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas. It runs almost straight upwards to the underside of the jugular process of the occipital bone, the small plate just behind the jugular foramen. The internal jugular vein lies in front of it, and the vertebral artery curves round the atlas just behind it.
It acts only on the atlanto-occipital joint. Contracting on one side, it tilts the head towards the same shoulder; working on both sides, it steadies the skull on the atlas. Like the other small muscles in this region, it is thought to give much information about head position and to help balance the head in fine adjustments rather than in powerful movements.
It is supplied by branches of the ventral rami of the first and second cervical nerves, and receives blood from the vertebral, occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries. Its close link with the jugular foramen and the vein makes it a landmark in surgery at the side of the skull base, where it helps surgeons find the jugular bulb and the nerves leaving the foramen.
Attachments, action and supply
- Origin
- Upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas.
- Insertion
- Underside of the jugular process of the occipital bone.
- Action
- Bends the head to the same side at the atlanto-occipital joint and steadies it.
- Nerve supply
- Ventral rami of C1 and C2.
- Blood supply
- Vertebral, occipital and ascending pharyngeal arteries.
Anthromica
See the rectus lateralis capitis muscle where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
