Longissimus capitis muscle

The musculus longissimus capitis is cranially directed and arises medila to the longissimus cervicis to cross atlas an insert on mastoid process

Origin: transverse processes of the first thoracic and last cervical vertebrae

Insertion: mastoid part of the temporal bone

Action: Extends the neck; in unilateral action to raise the neck obliquely and turn it to one side.

Nerve: Dorsal branches of the thoracic and cervical nerves.