Description
The obliquus capitis superior is a member of the suboccipital group of muscles along with obliquus capitis inferior, rectus capitis posterior major and rectus capitis posterior minor. It is narrow below, wide and expanded above, and is lateral to the semispinalis capitis. It forms the superolateral border of the suboccipital triangle.[1]
Anatomy
The obliquus capitis superior is located laterally in the suboccipital compartment.
Origin
Superior surface of the transverse process of the atlas (c1)[2]
Insertion
Between the superior and inferior nuchal lines of the occipital bone[2]
Nerve Supply
Suboccipital nerve or dorsal ramus of cervical spinal nerve (c1)[3]
Blood Supply
The muscle receives its blood supply from the vertebral artery and the deep descending branch of the occipital artery.[3]
Function
Is a postural muscle that monitors the position of the head. [3]
Actions
Bilaterally, they extend the head; unilaterally, they laterally flex the the head to the same side as the muscle.[2]
Functional contributions
The actions of trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and other larger muscles that move the head are refined by the relatively small suboccipital triangle muscles.
Pathology/Injury
Physiotherapy Techniques
References
- ↑ Henry Gray: Anatomy of the Human Body [monograph online]. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918 [cited 2015 Mar 30]. Available from: Bartleby; New York: 2000. fckLRhttp://www.bartleby.com/107/116.html
- ↑ 2.02.12.2 Wheeless III, CR. Obliquus capitis superior [Internet] 2011 [cited 2015 Mar 30]. Available from: ↑ 3.03.13.2 Obliquus capitis superior [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2015 Mar 30]. Available from:
