Quick Facts
Origin: Anterior tubercles of transverse processes of C3-C6 vertebrae.
Insertion: Basilar part of occipital bone.
Action: Flexes head.
Innervation: Anterior rami of first to third cervical nerves (C1-C3).
Arterial Supply: Vertebral, ascending pharyngeal, and ascending cervical arteries.
Origin
The fibers of longus capitis muscle originate as narrow bundles from the anterior tubercles of the transverse process of the third to sixth cervical vertebrae.
Insertion
The fibers of longus capitis muscle converge as the muscle broadens as it approaches the occipital bone where it inserts into the basilar part of the bone.
Key Features & Anatomical Relations
The longus capitis muscle sits behind the pharyngobasilar fascia of the nasopharyngeal region.
Actions
The longus capitis muscle flexes the head at the atlantooccipital joints (Standring, 2016).
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Longus Capitis Muscle
The rectus capitis anterior muscle is a small muscle located deep to the inserting fibers of the longus capitis muscle.
