Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

The rectus capitis posterior major is a suboccipital muscle of the neck. It is the largest of the rectus capitis muscles and is located laterally to the rectus capitis posterior minor.

• Attachments: Originates from the spinous process of the C2 vertebrae (axis) and inserts into the lateral part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
• Actions: Extension and rotation of the head.
• Innervation: Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1).
• Blood Supply: Vertebral artery and deep descending branches of the occipital artery.

By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)

Fig 1
The left occipital muscles, which lie underneath the deep muscles of the back.