Obliquus capitis inferior

The obliquus capitis inferior (also obliquus capitis inferior muscle, latin: musculus obliquus capitis inferior) is a suboccipital muscle that acts at the atlanto-axial joint.

Origin

The obliquus capitis inferior originates from the spinous process of the axis (C2).

Insertion

The obliquus capitis inferior inserts onto the transverse process of the atlas (C1).

Action

The main function of the obliquus capitis inferior is rotation of the head and neck.

Innervation

The obliquus capitis inferior is innervated by the suboccipital nerve, which is the posterior ramus of the 1st cervical spinal nerve (C1).