Suboccipital Muscle Anatomy Quiz

Questions and Answers

Which muscle is responsible for ipsilateral rotation of the head?

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Obliquus Capitis Inferior (correct)

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Which action is NOT performed by the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor?

Contralateral Rotation (correct)

Extension

Sidebending

Ipsilateral Rotation

What is a common action for both the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major and the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor?

Lateral Flexion

Extension (correct)

Contralateral Rotation

Flexion

Which of the following muscles assists primarily in sidebending without promoting ipsilateral rotation?

Obliquus Capitis Superior Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve root is associated with the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor?

C1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary nerve supply for the suboccipital muscles?

Posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve) Signup and view all the answers

Which action is specifically associated with the Obliquus Capitis Inferior?

Ipsilateral rotation of the head Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major?

It is larger than the Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor and performs extension and sidebending. Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle contributes to both extension and sidebending of the head and is positioned above the Obliquus Capitis Inferior?

Obliquus Capitis Superior Signup and view all the answers

What is the common root associated with all the suboccipital muscles?

C1 nerve root Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Suboccipital Muscle Structure

Comprised of four main muscles: rectus capitis posterior minor, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, obliquus capitis inferior.
Located beneath the occipital bone, close to the cervical spine.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Small muscle at the back of the skull.
Nerve supply: posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Root: C1 nerve root.
Actions: extension, side bending of the head, and ipsilateral rotation.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Larger than the minor and positioned adjacent to it.
Nerve supply: posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Root: C1 nerve root.
Actions: extension, side bending of the head, and ipsilateral rotation.

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Positioned above the obliquus capitis inferior; extends from the upper cervical spine to the occipital bone.
Nerve supply: posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Root: C1 nerve root.
Actions: extension and side bending of the head.

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Located below the obliquus capitis superior; connects the atlas (C1) to the axis (C2).
Nerve supply: posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Root: C1 nerve root.
Actions: ipsilateral rotation of the head.

Suboccipital Muscle Structure

Composed of four primary muscles: rectus capitis posterior minor, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, and obliquus capitis inferior.
Located beneath the occipital bone, adjacent to the cervical spine.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

Small muscle located at the back of the skull.
Nerve supply provided by the posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Originates from the C1 nerve root.
Functions include extension, side bending of the head, and ipsilateral rotation.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

Larger muscle compared to the minor, positioned adjacent to it.
Nerve supply from the posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Originates from the C1 nerve root.
Actions include extension, side bending of the head, and ipsilateral rotation.

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Muscle situated above the obliquus capitis inferior, connecting the upper cervical spine to the occipital bone.
Supplied by the posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Also arises from the C1 nerve root.
Responsible for extension and side bending of the head.

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Positioned below the obliquus capitis superior, linking the atlas (C1) to the axis (C2).
Nerve supply provided by the posterior ramus of C1 (suboccipital nerve).
Originates from the C1 nerve root.
Primarily facilitates ipsilateral rotation of the head.

Description

Test your knowledge of the suboccipital muscles, including their structure, locations, and functions. This quiz covers the four main muscles: rectus capitis posterior minor, rectus capitis posterior major, obliquus capitis superior, and obliquus capitis inferior, along with their nerve supply and actions.