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The obliquus capitis inferior myodural bridge
Matthew E Pontell1, Frank Scali, Ewarld Marshall
1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, St. George's University, Grenada, West Indies. mpontell@sgu.edu
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|July 28, 2012
Summary
The obliquus capitis inferior muscle connects to the cervical dura mater via a myodural bridge in all specimens. This anatomical finding may influence dural tension and related clinical symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gross Anatomy
- Human Anatomy
- Musculoskeletal System
Background:
- A connection between the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) muscle and the cervical dura mater was previously suggested.
- No specific study has detailed the OCI muscle's relationship with the dura mater.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gross anatomy of the obliquus capitis inferior (OCI) muscle.
- To identify and examine the OCI myodural bridge, its course, and contributing elements.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of the suboccipital regions of nine embalmed cadavers.
- Isolation and photographic documentation of 14 OCI muscles.
- Examination of fibrous tissue bands connecting the OCI to the cervical dura mater.
Main Results:
- All 14 dissected OCI muscles exhibited fibrous tissue bands.
- These bands attached to the posterolateral cervical dura mater via the atlantoaxial interspace.
- The OCI myodural bridge appeared to merge with the rectus capitis posterior major myodural bridge.
Conclusions:
- The obliquus capitis inferior muscle consistently attaches to the dura mater through a myodural bridge.
- This OCI myodural bridge may play a role in regulating dural tension and preventing infolding.
- The OCI myodural bridge might be implicated in clinical symptoms related to altered dural tone.
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