Musculus obliquus capitis cranialis
One of the two oblique muscles of the atlas-axis region. Extends from the atlas to the skull and rotates/tilts the head.
Origin: Cranial edge of the wing of the atlas
Insertion: Nuchal crest and mastoid process of the temporal bone
Action: Extends and laterally flexes the atlanto-occipital joint; rotates the head
Innervation: Dorsal branch of C1 (suboccipital nerve)
Injury or arthritis at the C1-C2 junction affects these small rotator muscles, causing significant head and neck dysfunction.
Injury or arthritis at the C1-C2 junction affects these small rotator muscles, causing significant head and neck dysfunction. Signs include: Resistance to poll flexion; difficulty turning in one direction; head shaking; abnormal head carriage; may follow trauma (rearing and hitting the poll).
See the Obliquus Capitis Cranialis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model