Longus colli muscle
Musculus longus colli
- Latin synonym: Musculus longus cervicis
- Synonym: Longus cervicis muscle
- Related terms: Longus colli
Definition
The longus colli muscle is a deep prevertebral muscle that runs along the anterior surface of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebral bodies. It functions primarily to flex the neck and slightly rotate it to the opposite side. It lies posterior to the retropharyngeal space and anterior to the cervical vertebral column.
Anatomical details
Origins and insertions
Feature | Description |
Origin and Insertion | The muscle is multi-part, consisting of three parts: |
Superior oblique part | Origin: Anterior tubercles of transverse processes of C3–C5 Insertion: Fibres ascend obliquely inwards to insert into the anterior tubercle of atlas (C1) |
Vertical (intermediate) part | Origin: Anterior surfaces of vertebral bodies C5–T3 Insertion: Fibres ascend vertically to insert into the anterior surfaces of vertebral bodies C2–C4 |
Inferior oblique part | Origin: Anterior surfaces of vertebral bodies T1–T3 Insertion: Fibres ascend obliquely outwards to insert into the anterior tubercles of transverse processes of C5–C6 |
Innervation
Ventral rami of C2–C6 spinal nerves
Blood supply
Branches from the ascending pharyngeal, inferior thyroid, and vertebral arteries.
Relations
Aspect | Structures Related |
Anterior | Prevertebral fascia, oesophagus, pharynx, and retropharyngeal space |
Posterior | Cervical vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs |
Lateral | Longus capitis (superiorly), anterior scalene muscle, and sympathetic trunk |
Actions
Bilaterally: Flexes the neck and upper cervical spine (bringing chin toward chest). Unilaterally: Produces slight contralateral rotation and lateral flexion.
Contributes to stabilization of cervical vertebrae during head and neck movements.
It forms part of the deep cervical flexor group, along with longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis.
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 29: Neck, pp. 450-451.
