In the origin of the lateral mass of atlas and insertion in the lateral half of the inferior nuchal line, the Obliquus capitis superior muscle, a muscle in the upper back belonging in the suboccipital nerve (the dorsal primary ramus of the first cervical nerve (C1)), can be found.
It passes superiorly and posteriorly to insert into the lateral half of the inferior nuchal line on the external surface of the occipital bone. The obliquus capitis superior muscle (/blakws kpts/) is a small muscle in the upper back part of the neck and is one of the suboccipital muscles and part of the suboccipital triangle. Suboccipital nerve The suboccipital nerve (first cervical dorsal ramus) is the dorsal primary ramus of the first cervical nerve (C1). 
