rectus capitis lateralis muscle rectus capitis lateralis muscle the rectus capitis lateralis, a short, flat muscle, arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas, and is inserted into the under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone. for the muscle of the eye, see lateral rectus muscle. rectus capitis lateralis muscleposterior view of neck bones (rectus capitis lateralis muscle shown in red)the anterior vertebral muscles.detailsoriginupper surface of the transverse process of the atlasinsertionunder surface of the jugular process of the occipital bonenervec1, c2actionslateral flexion, stabilise atlanto-occipital jointidentifierslatinmusculus rectus capitis lateralista98a04.2.02.003ta22151fma46316anatomical terms of muscle additional images position of rectus capitis lateralis muscle (shown in red). animation. close up. skull has been removed (except occipital bone). lateral view. still image. occipital bone. outer surface. base of skull. inferior surface.