The rectus capitis anterior muscle is a short and deep neck muscle located anterior to the cervical part of the spine. It is classified as a prevertebral muscle and extends between the first cervical vertebra (atlas; C1) and the external cranial base. The rectus capitis anterior lies below the upper aspect of the longus capitis muscle. Together with the rectus capitis lateralis muscle, it is sometimes referred to as the anterior suboccipital muscle.