Rectus Capitis Lateralis

Original Editor - Venus Pagare

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Description

The rectus capitis lateralis is a paired muscle located in the neck, it forms part of the anterior paravertebral muscles with splenius capitis, levator scapulae, and the middle and posterior scalene muscles. The rectus capitis lateralis aids in stabilization and lateral flexion.

Origin

Superior surfaces of the transverse processes of the atlas 

Insertion

Inferior surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone 

Nerve

Anterior primary rami of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1)

Artery

The muscle receives blood from the ascending cervical artery, which is a small branch of the inferior thyroid artery from the thyrocervical trunk of the subclavian artery. It also receives blood from the ascending pharyngeal vertebral artery and the occipital arteries as they pass the lateral aspect of the muscle. 

Function

• Stabilizes the head
  
• Weakly assists with lateral flexion of the head

Clinical Relevance

This muscle forms part of the deep neck flexors and the paravertebral muscles it should be considered in treating patients with neck pain and poor posture.

It is specifically important when treating deep neck flexors and implementing deep neck flexor stabilization protocols

Assessment

It is difficult to manually test the capitis lateralis, however it can be tested as part of the deep neck flexor muscle group for stabilization of the neck. It can also be tested with the lateral neck flexors.

For detailed investigation special test such as MRI or CT will be necessary.