The rectus capitis anterior muscle is a short muscle that belongs to the prevertebral and anterior neck muscles. It is located anterior to the vertebral column and stretches between the atlas and the base of the skull.
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Summary
origin: lateral mass and transverse process of atlas (C1)
insertion: basilar part of occipital bone
blood supply: branches of vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries
innervation: anterior rami of 1st and 2nd cervical spinal nerves (C1 - C2)
action: flexion of head at atlanto-occipital joint
Gross anatomy
Origin
The rectus capitis anterior muscle originates from the anterior surface of the lateral mass and transverse process of the atlas (C1).
Insertion
The fibers of the rectus capitis anterior insert on the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone.
Arterial supply
The rectus capitis anterior muscle receives arterial blood supply from the branches of the vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries. The former is a branch of the subclavian artery, while the latter is a branch of the external carotid artery.
Innervation
The rectus capitis anterior is innervated by the branches arising from the loop between the anterior rami of the 1st and 2nd cervical spinal nerves (C1 - C2).
Action
Upon contraction, the rectus capitis anterior muscle aids in flexion of the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
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