Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle

Muscle infobox
Name = Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle
Latin = musculus rectus capitis posterior minor
GraySubject = 116
GrayPage = 401

---

Caption = Deep muscles of the back. (Rect. post. minor labeled at top center.)
Origin = the tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas
Insertion = the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum
Action = extends the head at the neck, but is now considered to be more of a sensory organ than a muscle
Blood =
Nerve = a branch of the dorsal primary division of the suboccipital nerve
MeshName =
MeshNumber =
DorlandsPre = m_22
DorlandsSuf = 12550468
The Rectus capitis posterior minor (Rectus capitis posticus minor) arises by a narrow pointed tendon from the tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas, and, widening as it ascends, is inserted into the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum, and also takes some attachment to the spinal dura.

The synergists are the rectus capitus posterior major and Obliquus capitis.

Connective tissue bridges were noted at the atlanto-occipital junction between the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle and the dorsal spinal dura. The perpendicular arrangement of these fibers appears to restrict dural movement toward the spinal cord. The ligamentum nuchae was found to be continuous with the posterior cervical spinal dura and the lateral portion of the occipital bone. Anatomic structures innervated by cervical nerves C1-C3 have the potential to cause headache pain. Included are the joint complexes of the upper 3 cervical segments, the dura mater, and spinal cord.

The dura-muscular, dura-ligamentous connections in the upper cervical spine and occipital areas may provide anatomic and physiologic answers to the cause of the cervicogenic headache. This proposal would further explain manipulation's efficacy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache.

ee also

* atlanto-occipital joint
* Rectus capitis lateralis
* Rectus capitis posterior major muscle
* Rectus capitis anterior muscle

=Additional

External links

*
*
*
*
* [http://www.ptcentral.com/muscles/musclehead.html#rectus%20capitis%20posterior%20minor PTCentral]