Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Written by Max Bidewell

Last updated November 6, 2025
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Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor - Podcast Version

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

  • Attachments: Originates from the posterior tubercle (a rudimentary spinous process) of the C1 vertebra. Attaches to the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone.
  • Actions: Extension of the head.
  • Innervation: Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1).
  • Blood Supply: Vertebral artery and deep descending branches of the occipital artery
Illustration of the left occipital muscles located beneath the deep muscles of the back.

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

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