Overview
The short neck muscles belong to the so-called autochthonous back muscles and are located to the right and left of the vertebral bodies of the spine. Their task is to hold the vertebral bodies and to move them in the spine. The short muscles in the area of the neck are also stabilizing, but also contribute significantly to the movements in the area of the neck and head: The short neck muscles include the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle, the rectus capitis posterior major muscle, the obliquus capitis superior muscle and the obliquus capitis inferior muscle.
- Especially the tilting of the head forward and
- The laying of the head in the neck (reclination) is performed by this muscle group.
- Also at the lateral head-movements, the short neck-muscles are decisively involved.
Muscles of the short neck
- Musculus rectus capitis posterior minorThis muscle originates from the uppermost vertebral body of the spinal column, the so-called atlas, and moves upwards in a fan shape towards the skull. It starts at a bony structure on the skull (Linea nuchae inferior). Its task is mainly to lift the head bent forward.
- Musculus rectus capitis posterior majorThis muscle attaches to the second cervical vertebra, the so-called processus spinosus.
This bony projection is present on every vertebral body. The tip of this bony point points to one in a person with their back turned. This muscle also passes the first-mentioned rectus capitis posterior minor muscle in the direction of the head and also attaches to the side of this muscle at the inferior nuchea line.
This muscle is primarily responsible for lateral head movements (together with the sternocleidomastoid muscle).
- Musculus obliquus capitis superiorThis muscle originates at the uppermost vertebral body (atlas) and here at the transverse processes (processus transversus). For this reason, it pulls up far out and starts at the bony back of the head (os occipitale). It forms the outer boundary of the short neck muscles on both sides.
It is primarily responsible for reclining the head (placing the head backwards). The muscle also plays a small part in the left and right rotation of the head.
- Musculus obliquus capitis inferiorThis muscle extends from the second cervical vertebra, and here again from the processus spinosus pointing backwards, to the transverse process of the first vertebral body, where it is attached. It is therefore the only muscle of the short neck muscles that has no direct connection with the bony skull and that runs exclusively in the area of the cervical spine. It helps the sternocleidomastoid muscle in particular to move the head laterally.
