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AnatomyHead and neckNeckRectus capitis lateralis muscle
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AnatomyHead and neckNeckRectus capitis lateralis muscle

Rectus capitis lateralis muscle

Author: Lorenzo Crumbie, MBBS, BSc • Reviewer: Nicola McLaren, MSc
Last reviewed: August 10, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Recommended video: Muscles of the anterior neck [20:57]
Overview of the muscles that define the anterior neck.
Rectus capitis lateralis muscle (Musculus rectus capitis lateralis)

Rectus capitis lateralis is a small, paired muscle that is found within the neck, deep to the prevertebral part of the deep cervical fascia. It is a part of the prevertebral muscle group along with splenius capitis, levator scapulae and middle and posterior scalene muscles.

This muscle is responsible for laterally flexing the head to the same side and stabilizing the atlanto-occipital joint. 

In this article, we will discuss the anatomy and function of rectus capitis lateralis muscle.

Key facts about the rectus capitis lateralis muscle
Origin Superior surface of the transverse process of atlas
Insertion Inferior surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone
Action Stabilizes the atlanto-occipital joint; head lateral flexion (ipsilateral)
Innervation Anterior rami of C1-C2 spinal nerves
Blood supply Branches of the occipital, vertebral and ascending pharyngeal arteries
Contents
  1. Origin and insertion
  2. Relations
  3. Innervation
  4. Blood supply
  5. Function
  6. Clinical notes 
  7. Sources
+ Show all

Origin and insertion

Rectus capitis lateralis is a short, flat muscle. It arises from the superior surface of the transverse process of the atlas (C1). The vertically oriented fibers travel superiorly to insert onto the inferior surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone.

Relations

Carotid sheath
Vagina carotica
1/4
Synonyms: Carotid fascia, Carotid space

Rectus capitis lateralis has several muscular and neurovascular relations. It is lateral to the rectus capitis anterior muscle and the cranial end of longus capitis. The levator scapulae muscle inserts on the opposite side of the C1 transverse process inferior to rectus capitis lateralis. Rectus capitis lateralis is also anterior to obliquus capitis superior, anterosuperior to obliquus capitis inferior and superior to anterior cervical intertransverse muscle. 

The rectus capitis lateralis is posteriorly related to the internal jugular vein. It is separated from this structure by the carotid sheath and occasionally by the accessory nerve (CN XI). The posterior belly of the digastric muscle is also anterior to the muscle; with the occipital artery sometimes separating the two structures. The vertebral artery passes by the medial border of the rectus capitis lateralis muscle as it exits the transverse foramen of the atlas. The glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory nerves (CN IX-XI) pass over the anterior surface if rectus capitis lateralis as they exit the jugular foramen.

Innervation

Motor innervation to rectus capitis lateralis is provided by branches of the anterior rami of the first two cervical spinal nerves (C1-C2).

Blood supply

Branches arising from the ascending pharyngeal, vertebral and occipital arteries carry oxygenated blood to the rectus capitis lateralis muscle.

Spinal nerve C1
Nervus spinalis C1
1/5
Synonyms: 1st cervical nerve, Nervus cervicalis 1

Function

The primary function of rectus capitis lateralis is to stabilize the atlanto-occipital joint during movement. Unilateral contraction produces ipsilateral flexion of the neck.

Clinical notes 

The rectus capitis lateralis muscle can be used as a landmark by neurosurgeons when approaching the jugular foramen. It allows the surgeons to identify important neurovascular entities early in the dissection. This becomes particularly important if the natural anatomy has been distorted by pathological processes (e.g. tumors). 

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:

  • Cohen, M., Evins, A., Lapadula, G., Arko, L., Stieg, P., & Bernardo, A. (2017). The rectus capitis lateralis and the condylar triangle: important landmarks in posterior and lateral approaches to the jugular foramen. Journal Of Neurosurgery, 127(6), 1398-1406. doi: 10.3171/2016.9.jns16723
  • Moore, K., Agur, A., & Dalley, A. (2006). Clinically oriented anatomy (5th ed.). Philadelphia: LippincottWilliams&Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
  • Palastanga, N., & Soames, R. (2012). Anatomy and human movement (6th ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
  • Standring, S., & Gray, H. (2008). Gray's anatomy (42nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.

Illustrations:

  • Rectus capitis lateralis muscle (Musculus rectus capitis lateralis) - Yousun Koh

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