rectus capitis posterior major

noun

: a muscle on each side of the back of the neck that arises from the spinous process of the axis, inserts into the lateral aspect of the inferior nuchal line and the adjacent inferior area of the occipital bone, and acts to extend and rotate the head

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Cite this Entry

“Rectus capitis posterior major.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/rectus%20capitis%20posterior%20major. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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