Neck
rectus capitis anterior
REK-tus KAP-ih-tis an-TEER-ee-or
Short neck flexor at base of skull flexing upper cervical spine for head nod. Stabilizes head in shrugs, prevents forward head posture.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Upper neck pain from whiplash; see doc.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
Lateral mass of atlas (C1 vertebra)
Insertion
Occipital bone (base of skull)
Actions
- Flexion of atlanto-occipital joint (head nod)
Innervation
C1 spinal nerve
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
Rectus capitis posterior major
Synergists
Longus capitis
Trigger Points
Suboccipital; refers to forehead, orbit.
Stretches
1Chin tuck stretch
2Suboccipital release
Common Conditions
Cervicogenic headacheWhiplash-associated disorder
Anatomical Parts
Right rectus capitis anteriorLeft rectus capitis anterior
FAQ
Rectus capitis anterior pain?
Upper neck tension causes headaches.
Rectus capitis anterior function?
Flexes head at skull base.
Exercises for rectus capitis anterior
8

Chin To Chest Stretch
beginner


Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back
beginner·Bodyweight


Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides
beginner·Bodyweight


Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Neck-SMR
intermediate·other


Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance
intermediate·other


Side Neck Stretch
beginner
Also Works rectus capitis anterior
1Related Neck Muscles
arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.
Neck Pain Guide
Common causes and relief
Activities & Sports
See which activities use rectus capitis anterior

