Corpus: Longus capitis muscle
1. Definition
The longus capitis muscle is a muscle that is part of the prevertebral neck musculature.
2. Course
The longus capitis muscle runs along the front of the upper cervical spine.
2.1. Origin
The muscle originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the 3rd to 6th cervical vertebrae and then runs obliquely medially.
2.2. Attachment
It attaches to the occipital bone lateral to the pharyngeal tubercle.
3. Innervation
The longus capitis muscle is innervated by the ventral branches of the spinal nerves C1-C3 via the prevertebral branches of the cervical plexus.
4. Function
The longus capitis muscle functions to flex (bend) the head forward and acts as an antagonist to the neck extensor muscles. When contracted unilaterally, it also contributes to the rotation of the head.