Posterior Major Rectus Capitis Muscle, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the spinous process of the axis (C2), the rectus capitis posterior major courses superomedially to insert on the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone, just posterior to the mastoid region and deep to the semispinalis capitis. In lateral perspective its short, triangular belly sits posterior to the atlantoaxial joint, medial to the obliquus capitis superior and superior to the obliquus capitis inferior, completing the superomedial border of the suboccipital triangle. Adjacent bony landmarks include the occiput and the posterior elements of C1 and C2, with the external ear and lateral skull contour providing orientation. This is a teaching-friendly angle for understanding how the suboccipital muscles fine-tune head extension and ipsilateral rotation while stabilizing the craniovertebral junction, since the rectus capitis posterior major lies immediately superficial to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane and close to the vertebral artery as it grooves the posterior arch of the atlas. Small space. In posterior cervical approaches to C1 to C2 instrumentation, decompression, or exposure of the vertebral artery, these fibers define the medial corridor and help explain why deep dissection can provoke postoperative occipital pain when dorsal rami and suboccipital soft tissues are irritated. Use this illustration in gross anatomy and neuroanatomy modules covering the suboccipital region, in operative atlases describing posterior craniocervical exposure, and in pain medicine or physical therapy materials discussing cervicogenic headache and occipital neuralgia patterns tied to C2 dorsal ramus anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.