Rectus capitis anterior muscle
The anterior vertebral muscles. Rectus capitis anterior muscle labeled in purple
Anterior view of rectus capitis anterior muscle. Skull has been removed (except for occipital bone)
Details
Origin	Atlas (C1)
Insertion	Basilar part of the occipital bone
Artery	Ascending artery
Nerve	Ventral primary rami of spinal nerves C1-2
Actions	Flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
Identifiers
Latin	musculus rectus capitis anterior
TA98	A04.2.02.002
TA2	2150
FMA	46312
Anatomical terms of muscle [edit on Wikidata]

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.^[1]

Additional images

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  Animation. Position of rectus capitis anterior muscle. Some bones around the muscle are shown in semi-transparent.
• 
  Skull has been removed (except for occipital bone)
• 
  Lateral view. Still image.
• 
  Occipital bone. Outer surface.
• 
  Base of skull. Inferior surface.