Longus colli muscle

Longus colli muscle

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Longus colli muscle

The Longus colli muscle is a muscle of the human body located in the anterior neck. It is one of the prevertebral muscles, which are situated on the anterior surface of the vertebral column between the vertebrae and the skin.

Anatomy

The Longus colli muscle is divided into three parts: the superior oblique, the inferior oblique, and the vertical. The superior oblique originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, and fifth cervical vertebrae. The inferior oblique originates from the front of the bodies of the first two or three thoracic vertebrae. The vertical part originates from the front of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and lower three cervical vertebrae.

Function

The Longus colli muscle is responsible for flexion of the neck and cervical spine, as well as rotation and lateral flexion. It also stabilizes the cervical spine during various movements of the head and neck.

Clinical significance

Injury or strain to the Longus colli muscle can result in neck pain and stiffness. This muscle is also often involved in cases of whiplash injury.

See also

• List of muscles of the human body
• Neck anatomy