rectus capitis anterior muscle

{{Short description|Muscle of the neck}}

{{Infobox muscle

| Name = Rectus capitis anterior muscle

| Latin = musculus rectus capitis anterior

| Image = Rectus capitis anterior muscle.PNG

| Caption = The anterior vertebral muscles. Rectus capitis anterior muscle labeled in purple

| Image2 = Rectus capitis anterior muscle07.png

| Caption2 = Anterior view of rectus capitis anterior muscle. Skull has been removed (except for occipital bone)

| Origin = Atlas (C1)

| Insertion = Basilar part of the occipital bone

| Blood = Ascending artery

| Nerve = Ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-2

| Action = Flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint

| Antagonist =

}}

The rectus capitis anterior (rectus capitis anticus minor) is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the Longus capitis.

It arises from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas, and from the root of its transverse process, and passing obliquely upward and medialward, is inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone immediately in front of the foramen magnum.

action: aids in flexion of the head and the neck;

nerve supply: C1, C2.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/rectus_capitis_anterior|title = Rectus Capitis Anterior|date = 22 July 2020}}