Pinpoint
Muscles/Neck

Neck

rectus capitis lateralis

REK-tus KAP-ih-tis lat-er-AH-lis

Lateral upper cervical flexor stabilizing side-bending head for gaze control. Aids neck endurance in upright posture.

Open in 3D Viewer

Common Pain & Injury

Lateral neck pain from rotation; evaluate.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Transverse process of atlas (C1 side)

Insertion

Jugular process of occipital bone (skull side)

Actions

  • Ipsilateral flexion of head (side bend)

Innervation

C1 spinal nerve

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Obliquus capitis superior

Synergists

Rectus capitis anterior

Trigger Points

Lateral suboccipital; refers to temporal region.

Stretches

1Side neck stretch
2Lateral suboccipital massage

Common Conditions

Cervical strainTorticollis

Anatomical Parts

Left rectus capitis lateralisRight rectus capitis lateralis

FAQ

Rectus capitis lateralis?

Side flexor of upper neck.

Lateral neck muscle pain?

From poor posture or whiplash.

Exercises for rectus capitis lateralis

8

Also Works rectus capitis lateralis

1

Related 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 lateralis

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide