Corpus: Longus colli muscle
1. Definition
The longus colli muscle is a muscle that is part of the prevertebral neck musculature.
2. Course
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).
3. Innervation
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.