Where does the obliquus capitis superior attach?
Occipital bone
Obliquus capitis superior muscle
| Origin | Transverse process of atlas |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Occipital bone (between superior and inferior nuchal lines) |
| Action | Bilateral contraction – Atlantooccipital joint: Head extension Unilateral contraction – Atlantoaxial joint: Head lateral flexion (ipsilateral) |
What is the Obliquus capitis?
Obliquus Capitis Inferior (also known as the Inferior Oblique) is a small muscle that runs posteriorly and inferomedially from C1 to C2. It is situated under the deep cervical vein and comprises the inferior boarder of the suboccipital triangle. It is the only suboccipital muscle that does not attach to the skull.
What muscles attach to the occiput?
Anatomical terms of muscle The suboccipital muscles are a group of muscles defined by their location to the occiput. Suboccipital muscles are located below the occipital bone. These are four paired muscles on the underside of the occipital bone; the two straight muscles (rectus) and the two oblique muscles (obliquus).
What does rectus capitis do?
Rectus capitis posterior major muscle
| Origin | Spinous process of axis |
|---|---|
| Action | Bilateral contraction at the atlantooccipital joint: Head extension Unilateral contraction at the atlantoaxial joint: Head rotation (ipsilateral) |
| Innervation | Suboccipital nerve (posterior ramus of spinal nerve C1) |
How do you relax the occipital muscles?
Apply gentle pressure from your fingertips at the base of your skull. This massage can help calm tight muscles and release tension. You can also place a rolled towel under your head and neck as you lie down on your back. The pressure from the towel can provide a gentle massage.
What causes tight suboccipital muscles?
The suboccipital muscles commonly become tense and tender due to factors such as eye strain, wearing new eyeglasses, poor ergonomics at a computer workstation, grinding the teeth, slouching posture, and trauma (such as a whiplash injury).
Can the occipital bone move?
The occipital bone, atlas, and axis are responsible for most of the spine’s rotation, extension, and flexion—simply put, no other place in your spine moves more than the CVJ.
What causes tight occipital?
Occipital neuralgia is most commonly caused by pinched nerves in the root of a person’s neck. Sometimes this is caused by muscles that are too tight in a person’s neck. In some cases, it can be caused by a head or neck injury. Chronic neck tension is another common cause.
