- origin: the tubercle on the posterior arch of the atlas;
- insertion: the medial part of the inferior nuchal line of the occipital bone and the surface between it and the foramen magnum;
- action: extends the head at the neck;
- nerve supply: a branch of the dorsal primary division of the suboccipital nerve;
- synergists: rectus capitus posterior major, Obliquus capitis superior, Longissimus Capitis, Semispinalis capitis
