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Rectus capitis posterior major
Other Terms:
Greater posterior rectus capitis,
Musculus rectus capitis posterior major,
Muscle grand droit postérieur de la tête
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus rectus capitis posterior major
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Epaxial muscle – Suboccipital
Etymology
The English name for this muscle is the greater posterior straight muscle of the head. The word rectus is Latin for “straight.” The word capitis comes from the Latin caput meaning “head.” The Latin term posterior is derived from the Latin post meaning “afterwards.” The term major comes from the Latin maior meaning “greater.” As is typical in anatomical terminology, this comparative reference clues you into the fact that this is a larger version of a similar shaped smaller muscle.
Origin
Tip of the spinous process of the axis
Insertion
Lateral aspect of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Action
Probably assists with extension and rotation of the head, but is most likely a postural muscle that monitors the position of the head.
Nerve supply
Suboccipital nerve or dorsal ramus of cervical spinal nerve (C1)
Blood supply
The muscle receives its blood supply from the vertebral artery and the deep descending branch of the occipital artery.
Latin
Musculus rectus capitis posterior major
French
Muscle grand droit postérieur de la tête
