Quick Facts
Origin: Spinous process of axis (C2).
Insertion: Transverse process of atlas (C1).
Action: Rotates head.
Innervation: Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of first cervical nerve).
Arterial Supply: Vertebral artery and descending branch of occipital artery.
Origin
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle arises from the spinous process of the axis (second cervical vertebra).
Insertion
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle inserts into the posterior aspect of the transverse process of the atlas (first cervical vertebra).
Actions
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle rotates the head to the same side at the atlantoaxial joints (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Obliquus Capitis Inferior Muscle
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle is identified between the spinous process of C2 and transverse process of C1.
