Name
Pronunciation
(0-BLEEK-us CAP-i-tis soo-PEER-i-or)
Origin/Proximal Attachment
Spinous process of atlas (C1)
Insertion/Distal Attachment
Between superior & inferior nuchal line of occiput
Action/Relevance
Bilaterally: extends headLaterally: flexes to contracted side
Innervation
Suboccipital nerve (dorsal rami of C1)
Notes
It arises from the lateral mass of the atlas bone. It passes superiorly and posteriorly to insert into the lateral half of the inferior nuchal line. It is innervated by the suboccipital nerve, the dorsal ramus of the first spinal nerve.
It acts at the atlanto-occipital joint to extend the head and flex the head to the ipsilateral side.