Rectus capitis anterior muscle

The rectus capitis anterior (rectus capitis anticus minor) is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the Longus capitis.

It arises from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas, and from the root of its transverse process, and passing obliquely upward and medialward, is inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone immediately in front of the foramen magnum.

action: aids in flexion of the head and the neck; nerve supply: C1, C2.^[1]

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  Animation. Position of rectus capitis anterior muscle. Some bones around the muscle are shown in semi-transparent.
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  Skull has been removed (except for occipital bone)
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  Lateral view. Still image.
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  Occipital bone. Outer surface.
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  Base of skull. Inferior surface.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 395 of the 20th edition ofGray's Anatomy(1918)

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