Anatomy and Dysfunction of the Rectus Capitis Ventralis

Vocabulary-style flashcards defining the origin, insertion, function, and clinical signs associated with specific equine cervical musculature based on the lecture notes.

Origin

The ventral arch of the atlas.

Insertion

Two rough basilar tubercles on the base of the skull at the junction of the basioccipital bone and the sphenoid body.

Function (Bilateral)

Flexes the atlanto-occipital articulation.

Function (Unilateral)

Inclines the head towards the contracted side.

Structure

A thin cordlike muscle covered by the rectus capitis lateralis and the obliquus capitis cranialis.

Anatomical Fusion

The longus capitis fuses with this muscle by the time it reaches the insertion.

Innervation

Ventral branch of the first cervical nerve.

Reaction to Touch

The horse may show sensitivity to light touch ventral and cranial to the atlas wing and attempt to move away from pressure.

Bilateral Dysfunction Symptoms

Difficulty extending or straightening the head and the nuchal curve of the neck due to soft tissue issues or functional shortening.

Dysfunction Management

Addressing the horse's dentition history and ensuring the horse is not ridden too high or behind the vertical to avoid overuse.