Suboccipital neck
Obliquus capitis superior
Extends and laterally flexes the head and supports fine upper-cervical control
- Origin
- Transverse process of C1
- Insertion
- Occipital bone between the superior and inferior nuchal lines
- Primary actions
- Extends and laterally flexes the head and supports fine upper-cervical control
Educational anatomy reference only. This page does not diagnose pain, injury, or movement limitations.
From anatomy to action
Explore the movement, not just the muscle.
A single muscle rarely explains a movement by itself. Use the related movement content to see how this anatomy may contribute, then choose a focused program when you want a complete progression.
Movement guides and exercises
Complete guided progressions
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