Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

The rectus capitis lateralis, a short, flat muscle, arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas, and is inserted into the under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone.

For the muscle of the eye, see Lateral rectus muscle.

Rectus capitis lateralis muscle
Posterior view of neck bones (rectus capitis lateralis muscle shown in red)
The anterior vertebral muscles.
Details
Origin	Upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas
Insertion	Under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone
Nerve	C1, C2
Actions	Lateral flexion, stabilise atlanto-occipital joint
Identifiers
Latin	Musculus rectus capitis lateralis
TA	A04.2.02.003
FMA	46316
Anatomical terms of muscle

Additional images

• 
  Position of rectus capitis lateralis muscle (shown in red). Animation.
• 
  Close up. Skull has been removed (except occipital bone).
• 
  Lateral view. Still image.
• 
  Occipital bone. Outer surface.
• 
  Base of skull. Inferior surface.

See also

• Atlanto-occipital joint
• Rectus capitis posterior major muscle
• Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle
• Rectus capitis anterior muscle

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 395 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

External links

• PTCentral