2.2.1. Posterior Back/Neck

Question 1

What are the muscles that make up the boundaries of the suboccipital triangle?

Answer 1

1) Obliquus capitis superior (superior oblique) 2) Obliquus capitis inferior (inferior oblique) 3) Rectus capitis posterior major And this one is also there, but technically not part of the triangle: 4) Rectus capitis posterior minor

Question 2

What nerve usually emerges from WITHIN the borders of the suboccipital triangle? What does it do?

Answer 2

Suboccipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C1); supplies the muscles of the suboccipital triangle

Question 3

What nerve usually emerges INFERIOR to the suboccipital triangle? What does it do?

Answer 3

Greater occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C2); provides sensation (cutaneous innvervation) to the scalp

Question 4

Which bony landmark will lead you to the rectus capitis posterior major and the inferior oblique?

Answer 4

The posterior tubercle (spinous process) of C2 (the axis)

Question 5

What is the origin and insertion of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major?

Answer 5

Origin: Posterior tubercle (spinous process) of C2 (axis) Insertion: Lateral part of the inferior nuchal line

Question 6

What is the origin and insertion of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor?

Answer 6

Origin: Posterior tubercle of the posterior arch of C1 (atlas) Insertion: Medial part of the inferior nuchal line

Question 7

What is the origin and insertion of the Obliquus capitis inferior?

Answer 7

Origin: Posterior tubercle of the posterior arch of C2 (axis) Insertion: Transverse process of C1 (atlas)

Question 8

What is the origin and insertion of Obliquus capitis superior?

Answer 8

Origin: Transverse process of C1 (atlas) Insertion: Occipital bone in between superior and inferior nuchal lines

Question 9

Which nerve innervates the trapezius?

Answer 9

Spinal Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Question 10

Which nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid?

Answer 10

Spinal Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Question 11

Which nerve innervates the splenius?

Answer 11

Posterior ramus of C3 and C4

Question 12

List the three muscles COVER the suboccipital region (from superficial to deep).

Answer 12

Trapezius, Splenius, and Semispinalis

Question 13

Identify the landmark.

Answer 13

Foramen magnum

Question 14

Identify the vertebrae and the numbered landmarks.

Answer 14

C1 (Atlas)

1. Posterior arch
2. Posterior tubercle of arch
3. Transverse process
4. Foramen transversarium
5. Groove for vertebral artery

Question 15

Identify the vertebrae and the numbered landmarks.

Answer 15

C2 (axis)

1. Dens (odontoid process)
2. Spine and bifid spinous process

Question 16

What is the action of the splenius capitis?

Answer 16

Extends and rotates the cervical spine

Question 17

What is the action of the semispinalis capitis?

Answer 17

Rotate, extend, and bend the head

Question 18

What is the action of the obliquus capitis inferior?

Answer 18

Ipsilateral rotation of the atlanto-axial joint

Question 19

Define ipsilateral action

Answer 19

Action is on the same side as the muscle

Question 20

What is the action of the obliquus capitis superior?

Answer 20

Extension of the atlanto-occipital joints

Question 21

What is the action of the rectus capitis posterior major and rectus capitis posterior minor?

Answer 21

Ipsilateral rotation of the atlanto-axial joint

Question 22

Identify the labeled muscles. What is the name of the structure that they form?

Answer 22

1. Obliquus capitis inferior
2. Obliquus capitis superior
3. Rectus capitis posterior major
4. Rectus capitis posterior minor

The first three muscles make up the suboccipital triangle.

Question 23

Which artery emerges through the suboccipital triangle?

What artery does it branch off of?

Answer 23

Vertebral artery, branches off of the subclavian artery