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

Longus colli

Musculus longus colli

Origin

Vertebral bodies and transverse processes of the lower cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae (several parts, including a vertical part and superior/inferior oblique parts)

Insertion

Anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1) and the bodies/transverse processes of higher cervical vertebrae, depending on the muscle part

Function

Flexion of the cervical spine; assists mild lateral flexion and rotation

Innervation

Ventral rami of C2–C6

Movement & chain

Together with longus capitis forms the deep prevertebral flexor chain that controls cervical lordosis and stabilizes the head during dynamic movements.

Palpation

Prevertebral position; cannot be safely palpated directly through anterior neck structures.

Clinical

One of the muscles targeted in so-called 'deep neck flexor' training programs for chronic neck pain and after whiplash trauma.

Segmental innervation

C2–C6, motor.

In clinical practice

Primary stabilizer of cervical lordosis; deep cervical flexor endurance training for chronic neck pain; acute calcific tendinitis of longus colli causes severe odynophagia and neck stiffness.

Region in the model

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