Rectus capitis anterior is one of the four prevertebral muscles at the craniovertebral junction. Its short course between C1 and the occiput makes it the specific nodding stabiliser of the atlantooccipital joint.
| Origin | Lateral mass of the atlas (C1) — anterior surface |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Basilar part of the occipital bone — inferior surface |
| Nerve Supply | Ventral rami of C1, C2 |
| Blood Supply | Ascending pharyngeal artery |
| Actions | Flexes the head on the atlas — nodding movement; Stabilises the atlantooccipital joint |
|---|
Rectus capitis anterior is part of the craniovertebral junction musculature assessed in upper cervical instability. Its disruption contributes to atlantooccipital instability after C0-C1 dissection in posterior fossa surgery.
Not palpable externally.
C0-C1 instability from rectus capitis anterior disruption during posterior fossa and foramen magnum decompression surgery.
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