Origin: The superior surface of the Atlas trasverse process.
Insertion: Between the superior and inferior nuchal lines of the occiput (running obliquely up and medialward toward its insertion).
Located: The palpable portion of the muscle is found directly posterior
to the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid and in intimate contact with
the occiput. Its bands are not to be confused with those of the sternocleidomastoid
which again is directly anterior. The obliquus capitis superior is
palpable closer to its (own) insertion. To find the obliquus capitis
superior, gently raise the patient’s head, while he is in the supine position,
rotate the head contralaterally (or opposite the side to be palpated),
then as the surrounding muscles are stretched and tightened, a small depression
is formed behind the sternocleidomastoid, and this is where the obliquus
capitis superior is palpable – but return the patient’s head to the relaxed
supine position before palpation.
Listing Involvement: The obliquus capitis superior is in a synergistic
complex with the first branch of the levatores (of the opposite side) when
working for Atlas correction. It is palpable upon Atlas laterality
to the opposite side.
Working Sensation: Upon palpation of the obliquus capitis superior,
tension can be interpreted most often only to a notable, and occasionally
to a relatively firm, degree. It is palpated as a small consolidation
of muscle mass when working and can demonstrate a fleshy resistent consistency
only notable when simultaneously compared to the opposing obliquus capitis
superior.