Major Rectus Capitis Muscle, Posterior View

Description

Centered just inferior to the occipital squama, the rectus capitis posterior major stands out as a paired suboccipital muscle running superomedially from the spinous process of the axis (C2) to the inferior nuchal line, lateral to the midline. Superficial to this deep layer, the occipital belly of the occipitofrontalis spreads across the posterior scalp, with the pinnae framing the lateral margins and the posterior cervical musculature descending toward the upper neck. Medially, the paired rectus capitis muscles bracket the external occipital crest, while laterally they blend into the suboccipital compartment adjacent to the obliquus capitis superior and inferior. Deep anatomy matters here. Because rectus capitis posterior major forms the superomedial boundary of the suboccipital triangle, this posterior view helps you orient the corridor used in posterior C1 to C2 exposure, including placement of C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle or pars screws. The greater occipital nerve (dorsal ramus of C2) courses inferior to the obliquus capitis inferior and then pierces semispinalis capitis and trapezius, so hypertrophy, spasm, or surgical scarring in this region can contribute to occipital neuralgia and postoperative dysesthesia. Clinically, the muscle is also implicated in cervicogenic headache patterns after whiplash, and it is a frequent target during suboccipital release techniques in manual therapy. In teaching, this plate fits neatly into head and neck anatomy labs when you want learners to connect the nuchal lines to the axis and the deep extensor layer, rather than stopping at the trapezius and scalp. It also supports neurosurgical and orthopedic spine texts discussing posterior upper cervical approaches, C2 dorsal ramus anatomy, and landmarks for occipital nerve block. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.