Longissimus colli muscle

At a glance

English

Longissimus colli muscle

Latin (TA2)

Musculus longissimus colli

System

Muscle

Region

Neck

Side

Paired, left and right

About the longissimus colli muscle

Longissimus is the middle and longest column of the erector spinae, the deep muscles that extend the back. It has three parts: thoracis, colli and capitis. Longissimus colli, also called longissimus cervicis, is the middle of these. It lies medial to the upper end of longissimus thoracis, lateral to longissimus capitis, and beside iliocostalis colli, all under cover of splenius and the upper trapezius.

It starts with long, slender tendons from the tips of the transverse processes of the upper four or five thoracic vertebrae. The slips rise through the lower neck and end by similar narrow tendons on the posterior tubercles of the C2 to C6 transverse processes. It thus carries the line of the longissimus up from the chest into the neck.

Acting on both sides together, the muscle extends the neck and helps keep the cervical spine upright and its curve maintained. Acting on one side, it bends the neck towards that side and may turn it slightly in the same direction. It works with iliocostalis colli, splenius cervicis and the deeper transversospinal muscles in holding and moving the neck.

It is supplied by dorsal rami of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves. Its blood comes from the deep cervical and vertebral arteries and from the upper posterior intercostal arteries. Like other deep neck extensors it can be strained in sudden head movements, and it adds to the stiffness felt after neck sprain.

Attachments, action and supply

Origin

Tips of the transverse processes of T1 to T4 or T5.

Insertion

Posterior tubercles of the C2 to C6 transverse processes.

Action

Extends the neck; bends it to the same side when one side acts.

Nerve supply

Dorsal rami of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves.

Blood supply

Deep cervical, vertebral and upper posterior intercostal arteries.