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Rectus capitis lateralis

Muscle origin
Superior surface of the transverse process of atlas

Muscle insertion
Inferior surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone

Muscle function
Stability of atlanto-occipital joint and lateral flexion of head (ipsilateral)

Nerve innervation
C1-2 (Lovett reactor L4-5)

Primary muscle type
Tonic / Type I (65-70%)

Primary inhibatory muscles:

  • Opposite rectus capitis laterals
  • Opposite Obliques capitis superior
  • Opposite Scalenes
  • Opposite Levator scapula
  • Opposite Trapezius upper

Related joints

  • C1-2
Client is supine with the neck in a 20 deg lateral flexion towards test side. Grab around the head and try to break the head away from the lateral flexion by moving it towards midline.

Functional anatomy for

Rectus capitis lateralis

Organ relationship (T5-9. n. Vagus)

  • Stomach (AK)
    • Symp – T5-9 (Celiac plexus)
    • Parasymp – CX (Vagus)

Associated muscles

  • Suboccipitaler
  • Lev scap
  • Scalener
  • Rectus capitis?
  • Longus capitis?
  • Longus colli?

Release exercises

Corrective strength exercises

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