Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Longissimus Capitis

Musculus longissimus capitis

Origin

Transverse processes of the lower cervical vertebrae (C4-C7) and articular/transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae

Insertion

Posterior border of the mastoid process (temporal bone)

Function

Extends the head; unilateral contraction produces lateral flexion and ipsilateral rotation of head and neck

Innervation

Dorsal rami of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves

Movement & chain

Works together with the other parts of erector spinae (longissimus division) to hold the head upright against gravity; unilateral activity produces a combined extension-rotation movement to the same side

Palpation

Difficult to distinguish separately from the surrounding neck extensors; roughly palpable as one of the muscle bundles behind the mastoid, lateral to splenius capitis

Clinical

Overuse contributes, together with the other erector spinae components, to cervicogenic headache and chronic neck stiffness.

Segmental innervation

Dorsal rami C4-T5

In clinical practice

Skin and pressure point inspection; maintain comfortable positioning and proper body mechanics during patient handling and daily care.

Region in the model

Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)