Rectus capitis anterior muscle

Origin and insertion

Rectus capitis anterior muscle originates from the anterior surface of lateral mass of atlas (first cervical vertebra) and the root of its transverse process. It then extends superomedially and inserts to the inferior surface of basilar part of occipital bone.

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Relations

The muscle lies deep to the superior part of the longus capitis muscle. It belongs to anterior vertebral muscles, which together with lateral vertebral group comprise the prevertebral muscles. Being a part of the prevertebral neck muscles, the rectus capitis anterior lies immediately posterior to the retropharyngeal space. Lateral to the muscle are the subclavian artery, cervical and brachial plexuses.

Innervation

This muscle is innervated by the anterior rami of spinal nerves C1 and C2. The anterior rami of these nerves are connected by a communicating branch, from which the nerves to rectus capitis anterior muscle stem.

Blood supply

The muscle is supplied by branches of the vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries (a branch of the external carotid artery), while it is drained by the vertebral vein.

Function

The function of the rectus capitis anterior is to flex the head on the neck at the atlantooccipital joint and to stabilize the atlantooccipital joint.