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AnatomySpine and backBackObliquus capitis superior muscle
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AnatomySpine and backBackObliquus capitis superior muscle

Obliquus capitis superior muscle

Author: Sami Dai, MD • Reviewer: Nicola McLaren, MSc
Last reviewed: November 06, 2023
Reading time: 3 minutes

Recommended video: Suboccipital muscles [06:48]
Origins, insertions, innervation and functions of the suboccipital muscles.
Obliquus capitis superior muscle (Musculus obliquus capitis inferior)

Obliquus capitis superior, or superior oblique, is a small paired muscle located deep in the upper cervical region, at the base of the occipital bone. It is one of four muscles that comprise the suboccipital muscles group along with rectus capitis posterior major, rectus capitis posterior minor and obliquus capitis inferior.

Obliquus capitis superior contributes to extenson of the head. However, its role as a postural muscle is more significant than its role as a prime mover.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of obliquus capitis superior muscle.

Key facts about the obliquus capitis superior muscle
Origin Transverse process of atlas
Insertion Occipital bone (between superior and inferior nuchal lines)
Action Bilateral contraction - Atlantooccipital joint: Head extension 
Unilateral contraction - Atlantoaxial joint: Head lateral flexion (ipsilateral)
Innervation Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of spinal nerve C1)
Blood supply Vertebral artery and descending branches of the occipital artery
Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Relations
  3. Innervation
  4. Blood supply
  5. Function
  6. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

Obliquus capitis superior muscle
Musculus obliquus capitis superior
1/2
Synonyms: Obliquus superior capitis muscle, Musculus obliquus superior capitis

Obliquus capitis superior arises from the superior surface of transverse process of atlas (first cervical vertebra). This is also where one of the levator scapulae muscle slips originates from. The muscle becomes broader as it passes upward, travelling a short distance to insert between the superior and inferior nuchal lines on the external surface of occipital bone.

The insertion is located lateral to semispinalis capitis muscle and anterolateral to rectus capitis posterior major.

Relations

Obliquus capitis superior muscle is the most lateral of the suboccipital muscles, located superficially to the recti muscles and superiorly to the inferior obliquus muscle. It is also the smallest muscle of the suboccipital group.

Obliquus capitis superior forms the superolateral border of the suboccipital triangle where both the vertebral artery and the first cervical or suboccipital nerve are contained. Both longissimus capitis and splenius capitis overlap this muscle.

Innervation

Similar to the other suboccipital muscles, obliquus capitis superior is innervated by the suboccipital nerve, this is the first cervical posterior (dorsal) ramus.

Blood supply

The vertebral artery and deep descending branches of the occipital artery provide blood supply for the obliquus capitis superior muscle and the other suboccipital muscles. Obliquus capitis superior muscle is drained by the vertebral vein through the posterior external vertebral venous plexus.

Suboccipital nerve
Nervus suboccipitalis
1/3
Synonyms: Posterior ramus of spinal nerve C1, Ramus posterior nervi spinalis C1

Function

Working bilaterally, obliquus capitis superior extends the head on the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint. It laterally flexes the head to the ipsilateral side when working unilaterally. The muscles most prominent role is as a postural muscle, whereby it stabilizes the atlanto-occipital during head movements.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement: structure and function (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Standring, S., & Gray, H. (2016). Grays anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Philadelphia: Elsevier. 

Illustrations:

  • Obliquus capitis superior muscle (Musculus obliquus capitis superior) - Yousun Koh
  • Suboccipital muscles (Musculi suboccipitales) and adjacent structures - Yousun Koh

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