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.

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  Position of rectus capitis lateralis muscle (shown in red). Animation.
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  Close up. Skull has been removed (except occipital bone).
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  Lateral view. Still image.
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  Occipital bone. Outer surface.
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  Base of skull. Inferior surface.

• Atlanto-occipital joint
• Rectus capitis posterior major muscle
• Rectus capitis posterior minor muscle
• Rectus capitis anterior muscle

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 395 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

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