rectus capitis anterior muscle rectus capitis anterior muscle the rectus capitis anterior (rectus capitis anticus minor) is a short, flat muscle, situated immediately behind the upper part of the longus capitis. rectus capitis anterior musclethe anterior vertebral muscles. rectus capitis anterior muscle labeled in purpleanterior view of rectus capitis anterior muscle. skull has been removed (except for occipital bone)detailsoriginatlas (c1)insertionbasilar part of the occipital bonearteryascending arterynerveventral primary rami of spinal nerves c1-2actionsflexion of neck at atlanto-occipital jointidentifierslatinmusculus rectus capitis anteriorta98a04.2.02.002ta22150fma46312anatomical terms of muscle it arises from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas, and from the root of its transverse process, and passing obliquely upward and medialward, is inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone immediately in front of the foramen magnum. action: aids in flexion of the head and the neck; nerve supply: c1, c2. additional images animation. position of rectus capitis anterior muscle. some bones around the muscle are shown in semi-transparent. skull has been removed (except for occipital bone) lateral view. still image. occipital bone. outer surface. base of skull. inferior surface.