Rectus Capitis Anterior (Musculus rectus capitis anterior)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A short, flat prevertebral muscle located immediately in front of the atlanto-occipital joint and deep to longus capitis. It originates from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas and ascends to insert into the basilar part of the occipital bone immediately anterior to the foramen magnum. It flexes the head and acts as a primary stabilizer of the craniovertebral junction during acceleration.
Origin & insertion
From the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas and the root of its transverse process, into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone in front of the foramen magnum.
Action
Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint; stabilizes the atlanto-occipital articulation.
Innervation
Anterior rami of C1 and C2 cervical spinal nerves.
Clinical notes
Hypertonicity and trigger points in the anterior prevertebral muscles restrict upper cervical extension and contribute to forward head posture syndromes.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Rectus Capitis Anterior?
A short, flat prevertebral muscle located immediately in front of the atlanto-occipital joint and deep to longus capitis. It originates from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas and ascends to insert into the basilar part of the occipital bone immediately anterior to the foramen magnum. It flexes the head and acts as a primary stabilizer of the craniovertebral junction during acceleration.
Why is the Rectus Capitis Anterior clinically important?
Hypertonicity and trigger points in the anterior prevertebral muscles restrict upper cervical extension and contribute to forward head posture syndromes.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details