Suboccipital Muscles

Question 1

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Answer 1

ORIGIN: C2 spinous process
INSERTION: Middle third of the inferior nuchal line
INNERVATION: Subocciptal n. (C1)
ACTION: Bilateral: Extends head; Unilateral: Rotates head to same side

Question 2

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Answer 2

ORIGIN: C1 transverse process
INSERTION: Middle third of the inferior nuchal line (above rectus capitis posterior major)
INNERVATION: Suboccipital n. (C1)
ACTION: Bilateral: Extends head; Unilateral: Tilts head to the same side, rotates head to the opposite side

Question 3

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Answer 3

ORIGIN: C2 spinous process
INSERTION: C1 transverse process
INNERVATION: Suboccipital n. (C1)
ACTION: Bilateral: Extends head; Unilateral: Rotates head to same side

Question 4

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Answer 4

ORIGIN: Posterior tubercle of C1
INSERTION: Inner third of the inferior nuchal line
INNERVATION: Suboccipital n. (C1)
ACTION: Bilateral: Extends head; Unilateral: Rotates head to same side