Corpus: Longus colli muscle

The longus colli muscle is a muscle that is part of the prevertebral neck musculature.

The longus colli muscle runs along the front of the spine, extending from the atlas (C1) to the third thoracic vertebra (T3). It is divided into three parts:

• Superior oblique part
• Vertical intermediate part
• Inferior oblique part

2.1. Superior oblique part

The superior oblique part originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae (C3-C5). It extends obliquely medially and inserts with a narrow tendon on the anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1).

2.2. Vertical intermediate part

The vertical intermediate part originates from the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies of the fifth to seventh cervical vertebrae (C5-C7) and the first to third thoracic vertebrae (T1-T3). It inserts on the anterior surfaces of the second to fourth cervical vertebrae (C2-C4).

2.3. Inferior oblique part

The inferior oblique part is the smallest part of the longus colli muscle. It originates from the anterior surfaces of the vertebral bodies of the first to third thoracic vertebrae (T1-T3). The fibers extend obliquely laterally and insert at the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (C5-C6).

The longus colli muscle is innervated by the ventral branches of the spinal nerves C2-C7, and sometimes C1-C8, via the prevertebral branches of the cervical plexus.

The longus colli muscle is responsible for flexion (bending) of the head and neck forward. When contracted unilaterally, the superior part causes rotation of the head to the same side, while the inferior part causes rotation to the opposite side.