Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle

Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle Anatomy

arises by a narrow pointed tendon from the tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas, and, widening as it ascends, is inserted into the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum, and also takes some attachment to the spinal dura mater.

origin

Tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas.

Insertion

Medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum.

Nerve

Branch of the dorsal primary division of the suboccipital nerve.

Actions

extends the head at the neck, but is now considered to be more of a sensory organ than a muscle .