Rectus capitis posterior major muscle
Encyclopedia
The Rectus capitis posterior major (Rectus capitis posticus major) arises by a pointed tendon from the spinous process of the axis
, and, becoming broader as it ascends, is inserted into the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
and the surface of the bone immediately below the line.
In 2011, Scali et al., reported a soft tissue connection bridging from the rectus capitis posterior major to the cervical dura mater
. Various clinical manifestations may be linked to this anatomical relationship (Spine 2011). It has also been postulated that this connection serves as a monitor of dural tension along with the rectus capitis posterior minor.
As the muscles of the two sides pass upward and lateralward, they leave between them a triangular space, in which the Recti capitis posteriores minores are seen.
Its main actions are to extend and rotate the atlanto-occipital joint.
Action: Extends and rotates head
Blood supply: Vertebral and occipital arteries
Nerve: Suboccipital
Axis (anatomy)
In anatomy, the second cervical vertebra of the spine is named the axis or epistropheus.It forms the pivot upon which the first cervical vertebra , which carries the head, rotates....
, and, becoming broader as it ascends, is inserted into the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone
Occipital bone
The occipital bone, a saucer-shaped membrane bone situated at the back and lower part of the cranium, is trapezoidal in shape and curved on itself...
and the surface of the bone immediately below the line.
In 2011, Scali et al., reported a soft tissue connection bridging from the rectus capitis posterior major to the cervical dura mater
Dura mater
The dura mater , or dura, is the outermost of the three layers of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is derived from Mesoderm. The other two meningeal layers are the pia mater and the arachnoid mater. The dura surrounds the brain and the spinal cord and is responsible for...
. Various clinical manifestations may be linked to this anatomical relationship (Spine 2011). It has also been postulated that this connection serves as a monitor of dural tension along with the rectus capitis posterior minor.
As the muscles of the two sides pass upward and lateralward, they leave between them a triangular space, in which the Recti capitis posteriores minores are seen.
Its main actions are to extend and rotate the atlanto-occipital joint.
See also
- atlanto-occipital jointAtlanto-occipital jointThe Atlanto-occipital joint consists of a pair of condyloid joints. The atlanto-occipital joint is a synovial joint.-Ligaments:The ligaments connecting the bones are:* Two Articular capsules...
- Rectus capitis lateralis
- Rectus capitis posterior minor muscleRectus capitis posterior minor muscleThe Rectus capitis posterior minor 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...
- Rectus capitis anterior muscleRectus capitis anterior muscleThe rectus capitis anterior is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the Longus capitis....
Action: Extends and rotates head
Blood supply: Vertebral and occipital arteries
Nerve: Suboccipital