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Longus Capitis

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Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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Last updated:

05/11/2025
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Della Barnes, MS Anatomy
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

What is the Longus Capitis

The longus capitis is a long, paired muscle located at the front of the neck, along the cervical spine. It belongs to the group of cervical muscles and forms part of the prevertebral muscle group, together with the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, and longus colli muscles. 

This muscle plays an important role in maintaining neck flexibility and assisting with flexion and rotation of the head and neck.

Anatomy

Location and Attachments

OriginAnterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the 3rd-6th cervical vertebrae
InsertionThe basilar part of the occipital bone

Origin

The muscle originates via four thin tendinous bands from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third to sixth cervical vertebrae. 

Insertion

From their points of origin, the four tendons broaden and merge to form the fleshy muscle belly, which ascends medially to insert onto the inferior surface of the basiocciput, which is the basilar part of the occipital bone at the back of the skull. The point of insertion lies just in front of the foramen magnum.

Relations With Surrounding Muscles and Structures

It is the most superficial muscle of the prevertebral group. It ascends along the cervical spine, lying anterior to the rectus capitis anterior and superficial to the longus colli.
The point on the occipital bone where the muscle inserts lies anterior to the insertion of the rectus capitis anterior and lateral to the pharyngeal tubercle. 

Together with the other prevertebral muscles, the longus capitis is enclosed within the prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia, which extends from the base of the skull inferiorly to approximately the third thoracic vertebral body.

In the nasopharyngeal region, the pharyngobasilar fascia lies anterior to the muscle, separating it from the pharyngeal cavity. Along its lateral margin, the muscle is closely related to the retropharyngeal lymph nodes.

Function

ActionFlexing the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint and stabilizing the cervical spine

Aiding Movements of the Neck and Head

This muscle works in synergy with the sternocleidomastoid and the other three prevertebral muscles to assist in flexing the neck.

When it contracts bilaterally (on both sides), it helps flex the neck at the atlanto-occipital joint. When the neck is extended, like when the head is tilted backward, it weakly assists stronger muscles, such as the longus colli and sternocleidomastoid, in returning the head to its anatomical position. Gravity also contributes to this movement.

When the muscle contracts unilaterally (on one side), it bends the head toward the same side, causing lateral flexion, and slightly rotates it toward that side, causing ipsilateral rotation.

Though it is a weak flexor and rotator of the neck and head, it plays a vital role in maintaining the stability of the cervical spine.

Antagonists

Being one of the smaller muscles in the neck, the longus capitis does not have a single direct antagonist. However, since it assists in flexing the neck, the neck extensors, such as the trapezius, levator scapulae, and the suboccipital muscles (rectus capitis posterior major and minor, and the obliquus capitis superior and inferior), can be considered antagonistic to it.

Innervation

NerveC1-C3 (sometimes C4) spinal nerves

The muscle is innervated by the anterior rami of the first to third, and sometimes the fourth, cervical spinal nerves (C1–C3/C4), all of which are branches of the cervical plexus.

Blood Supply

ArteryAscending cervical, ascending pharyngeal, and vertebral arteries

The muscle receives its blood supply primarily from the ascending cervical artery, a branch of the inferior thyroid artery. Additional supply comes from the ascending pharyngeal artery, a branch of the external carotid artery, and from the vertebral arteries.

References

  1. Longus Capitis Muscle: Kenhub.com
  2. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Prevertebral Muscles: NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov
  3. Longus Capitis Muscle: Radiopaedia.org
  4. Prevertebral Muscles: Kenhub.com
  5. Longus Capitis Muscle: Elsevier.com
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS AnatomyUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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