Anatomy
Origin:
posterior tubercle of atlas.
Insertion:
From foramen magnum to medial third of inferior nuchal line.
Functions
Acts bilaterally to extend the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
Supply
Innervation:
Suboccipital nerve (C1).
Blood supply:
Muscular branches of vertebral artery.
Clinical
Slips of the muscle attach to the spinal dura and may be involved in anchoring the dura in place. The attachments between it and the dura may help to partially explain the role of cervical musculature in headache.
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