Obliquus Capitis Superior
Last updated:
12/11/2025Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.
What is the Obliquus Capitis Superior
The obliquus capitis superior is a small paired muscle located on both sides of the upper back of the neck, at the base of the skull. It belongs to the group of suboccipital muscles along with rectus capitis posterior major, minor, and obliquus capitis inferior.
The muscle works with other muscles in the neck to help flex and extend the neck, also contributing to the stabilization of the head on the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint.
Anatomy
Location and Attachments
| Origin | Transverse process of the atlas bone (C1 vertebra) |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of the occipital bone, between the inferior and superior nuchal lines |
Origin
The muscle originates via a narrow tendon from the upper surface of the transverse processes of the atlas bone (C1 vertebra)
Insertion
From its origin, the muscle fibers ascend toward the skull as they broaden to form a thick belly. It courses only a short distance to insert at the back surface of the occipital bone, between the inferior and superior nuchal lines.
Relations With Surrounding Muscles and Structures
The obliquus capitis superior is the smallest and most lateral muscle in the suboccipital group. It lies above the obliquus capitis inferior and deep to the rectus capitis posterior major and rectus capitis posterior minor muscles.
The deep intrinsic muscles of the upper back, splenius capitis and longissimus capitis, lie superficial to the obliquus capitis superior. Its insertion on the occipital bone is located lateral to the semispinalis capitis and slightly above and lateral to the rectus capitis posterior major.
This muscle forms the upper lateral border of the suboccipital triangle. The triangle is a space at the back of the neck that provides a passage for important structures such as the vertebral artery and the suboccipital nerve.
Function
| Action | Extending and laterally flexing the neck, and stabilizing the atlanto-occipital joint |
Role in Neck Movement
- When the obliquus capitis superior contracts on both sides (bilaterally), it extends the atlanto-occipital joint, raising the head as when you look upward.
- When it contracts on one side (unilaterally), it produces ipsilateral flexion of the head, bending the neck to the same side as the contracting muscle.
Role in Neck Stability
As it contributes to the suboccipital triangle, the muscle plays a vital role in stabilizing the atlanto-occipital joint. This helps keep the head steady on the neck during various movements.
Antagonists
Being one of the suboccipital muscles, its action of extending the neck is opposed by the longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and sternocleidomastoid muscles. These muscles lie at the front of the neck and flex the cervical spine to bring the head forward.
Innervation
| Nerve | Suboccipital nerve |
Innervation to this muscle comes from the suboccipital nerve, which originates from the dorsal ramus of the first cervical spinal nerve (C1).
Blood Supply
| Artery | Vertebral artery and descending branch of the occipital artery |
The muscle receives its blood supply from the vertebral artery, a branch of the subclavian artery, and the descending branch of the occipital artery.
References
- Obliquus Capitis Superior: TeachMeAnatomy.info
- Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle: Kenhub.com
- Obliquus Superior Capitis Muscle: Elsevier.com
- Obliquus Superior Capitis Muscle: IMAIOS
- Obliquus Capitis Superior Muscle: GetBodySmart.com
Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.
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