Functional Rehab Academy
Rectus capitis anterior
Muscle origin
Anterior surface of lateral mass and transverse process of atlas
Muscle insertion
Inferior surface of basilar part of occipital bone
Muscle function
Flexion and control of Atlantooccipital joint
Nerve innervation
C1-2 (Lovett reactor – L4-5)
Primary muscle type
Tonic / Type I (65-75%)
Primary inhibatory muscles:
- Neck extensors
- Scalenes
- Opposite Psoas
Related joints
- Occiput-C1
Client is supine with the neck/head in full flexion, 45 deg rotation opposite test test side and chin tucked in. Apply towards extension by trying to push the head down towards the table.
Functional anatomy for
Rectus capitis anterior
Organ relationship (T5-9, n. Vagus)
- Stomach (AK)
- Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
- Parasymp – CX (Vagus)
Associated muscles
- Scalenes
- Subocc