Head and neck muscles (chewing, facial, and throat muscles)

Longus capitis

Musculus longus capitis

Origin

Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3 to C6

Insertion

Basilar part of the occipital bone

Function

Flexion of the head and upper cervical spine

Innervation

Ventral rami of C1–C3

Movement & chain

Part of the deep (prevertebral) flexor chain together with longus colli and rectus capitis anterior; important for cervical stability and postural control of the head.

Palpation

Deeply situated, not directly palpable externally; approached indirectly via gentle pressure anterolateral to the cervical spine with the neck muscles relaxed.

Clinical

Weakness of the deep neck flexors (including this muscle) is associated with chronic neck complaints and whiplash-related disorders.

Segmental innervation

C1–C3, motor.

In clinical practice

Deep neck flexor stabilizing craniocervical junction; craniocervical flexion training (chin-tuck biofeedback) for whiplash and cervicogenic headaches.

Region in the model

Head and neck muscles (chewing, facial, and throat muscles)