Rectus capitis posterior major is the larger of the two rectus capitis posterior muscles, forming the superomedial wall of the suboccipital triangle. Its myodural bridge connections to the spinal dura are clinically significant.
| Origin | Spinous process of the axis (C2) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Inferior nuchal line — lateral portion |
| Nerve Supply | Suboccipital nerve — dorsal ramus of C1 |
| Blood Supply | Vertebral artery muscular branches |
| Actions | Extends the head; Ipsilateral rotation of the head at the atlantooccipital joint; Forms the medial boundary of the suboccipital triangle |
|---|
Myodural bridges from rectus capitis posterior major to the cervical dura have been demonstrated anatomically — these connections may transmit muscle tension to the dura, potentially contributing to tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. Its denervation from C2 compression produces suboccipital pain.
Palpated as part of the suboccipital muscle mass immediately below the occiput during resisted head extension.
Muscle tension transmitted via myodural bridges from the rectus capitis posterior major to the cervical dura, potentially contributing to cervicogenic headache and dural traction.
