The suboccipital muscles are a group of four muscles situated underneath the occipital bone. All the muscles in this group are innervated by the suboccipital nerve. They are located within the suboccipital compartment of the neck; deep to the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, splenius and semispinalis muscles. They collectively act to extend and rotate the head. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the suboccipital muscles – their attachments, actions and innervation. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Rectus Capitis Posterior Major The rectus capitis posterior major is the larger of the rectus capitis muscles. It 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). Pro Feature - Dissection Images Dissection of the suboccipital muscles of the neck Dissection of the suboccipital muscles of the neck You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor The rectus capitis posterior minor is the most medial of the suboccipital muscles. There is a connective tissue bridge between this muscle and the dura mater (outer membrane of the meninges) – which may play a role in cervicogenic headaches. 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). By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 1The left occipital muscles, which lie underneath the deep muscles of the back. Obliquus Capitis Inferior The obliquus capitis inferior is the most inferiorly positioned of the suboccipital muscles. It is the only muscle within this group which has no attachment to the cranium. Attachments: Originates from the spinous process of the C2 vertebra and attaches onto the transverse process of C1. Actions: Extension and rotation of the head. Innervation: Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1) Obliquus Capitis Superior The obliquus capitis superior is located laterally in the suboccipital compartment. Attachments: Originates from the transverse process of C1 and attaches onto the occipital bone (between the superior and inferior nuchal lines). Actions: Extension of the head. Innervation: Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of C1) Suboccipital Triangle The suboccipital triangle is an area bordered by three of the suboccipital muscles. It contains the vertebral artery (can be identified during surgery), suboccipital venous plexus and suboccipital nerve. Its borders are as follows: Superomedial: Rectus capitus posterior major Superolateral: Obliquus capitus superior Inferior: Obliquus capitus inferior Floor: Posterior atlanto-occipital membrane and posterior arch of the C1 vertebrae (atlas) Roof: Semispinalis capitus Biodigital Human 2016 Fig 2The suboccipital triangle. It can be used to locate the vertebral artery, as shown on this illustration. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz The Suboccipital Muscles Question 1 of 3 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/3 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Print Article Rate This Article