This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Rectus capitis lateralis muscle (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Rectus capitis lateralis is one of the deep muscles of the neck. On both sides, it originates from the lateral mass of the atlas (C1 vertebra). Passing superiorly and slightly medially, it inserts into the jugular process of the occipital bone.

It is innervated by the anterior primary rami of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1).

Rectus capitis lateralis acts to:

  • stabilize the head
  • flex the head on the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.