Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2011 Dec 1;36(25):E1612-4.
doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31821129df.

Anatomical connection between the rectus capitis posterior major and the dura mater

Frank Scali  1 , Eric S Marsili, Matthew E Pontell
Affiliations

Anatomical connection between the rectus capitis posterior major and the dura mater

Frank Scali et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). .

Erratum in

  • Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2012 Mar 15;37(6):530

Abstract

Study design: Anatomic study performed on 13 cadaveric specimens focused on muscles of the suboccipital triangle, specifically, the rectus capitis posterior major (RCPma).

Objective: To investigate a connection between the RCPma and the cervical dura mater.

Summary of background data: In a study of the posterior intervertebral spaces, a connection between the RCPma and the dura mater was briefly described. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted specifically on this communication.

Methods: Anatomic dissections were performed in the suboccipital regions of 13 embalmed, adult cadaveric specimens. Findings were recorded via photographic documentation.

Results: In 11 of the 13 specimens, the RCPma attached to the spinous process of the axis and then continued to establish a gross anatomical connection with the dura mater in the atlantoaxial interspace. Manual traction of the RCPma resulted in gross dural movement from the spinal root level of the axis to the spinal root level of the first thoracic vertebra.

Conclusion: A connection was found to exist between the RCPma and the cervical dura mater. Various clinical manifestations may be linked to this anatomical relationship.

PubMed Disclaimer