Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor
The structure indicated is the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle.
The rectus capitis posterior minor is one of 4 muscles which make up the suboccipital group of back muscles. This group of small muscles are located at the base of the occipital bone in the superior cervical region posteriorly. The four suboccipital muscles are:
- Rectus capitis posterior major
- Rectus capitis posterior minor
- Obliquus capitis inferior
- Obliquus capitis superior
Origin: spinous process of atlas vertebrae CI
Insertion: occipital bone inferior to nuchal line
Innervation: posterior ramus of CI
Action: Extension of head
Learn more about the muscles of the back in this tutorial.
