| Rectus capitis lateralis muscle | |
|---|---|
 Posterior view of neck bones (rectus capitis lateralis muscle shown in red) | |
 The anterior vertebral muscles. | |
| Details | |
| Origin | Upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas |
| Insertion | Under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone |
| Nerve | C1, C2 |
| Actions | Lateral flexion, stabilise atlanto-occipital joint |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | musculus rectus capitis lateralis |
| TA98 | A04.2.02.003 |
| TA2 | 2151 |
| FMA | 46316 |
| Anatomical terms of muscle | |
The rectus capitis lateralis, a short, flat muscle, arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas, and is inserted into the under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone.