Rectus Capitis Anterior Muscle

Rectus Capitis Anterior Muscle Anatomy

The rectus capitis anterior (also rectus capitis anterior muscle, anterior rectus capitis, Latin: musculus rectus capitis anterior) is a short muscle located anterior to the vertebral column, stretching between the atlas and the base of the skull. It is involved in the flexion of the neck. Along with the rectus capitis lateralis it belongs to the anterior suboccipital muscles.

a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the Longus capitis.

Origin

The anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas (C1 vertebra) and the root of its transverse process.

Insertion

Basilar part of the occipital bone .

The inferior surface of the occipital bone is anterior to the foramen magnum.

Nerve Supply

Ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-2.

Blood Supply

The muscle receives blood from the ascending cervical artery, which is a small branch of the inferior thyroid artery from the thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery.

Actions

Flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint.

Upon contraction, the rectus capitis anterior aids in flexion of the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint.

Relations

The muscle extends deep to the longus capitis muscle’s superior portion. It is a member of the anterior vertebral muscles, which make up the prevertebral muscles together with the lateral vertebral group. The rectus capitis anterior, a muscle of the prevertebral neck is located directly posterior to the retropharyngeal region. The brachial, cervical, and subclavian plexuses are lateral to the muscle.

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