Longissimus Cervicis
Back · Trunk
Longissimus cervicis, also called longissimus colli, is the cervical portion of the longissimus column of the erector spinae. It arises from the transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T5) and ascends to insert on the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the middle cervical vertebrae (C2-C6). Positioned between the head-reaching longissimus capitis and the large longissimus thoracis, it acts on the neck rather than the skull. Contraction of both sides extends the cervical vertebral column, and one side acting alone bends the neck toward that same side. It receives its innervation from the posterior (dorsal) rami of the cervical and thoracic spinal nerves, the standard supply of the intrinsic back muscles.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Transverse processes of T1–T5
Insertion
Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2–C6
Action
Bilaterally extends the cervical spine; unilaterally laterally flexes it
Nerve
Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves
Attachments explained
The Longissimus Cervicis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Transverse processes of T1–T5
Insertion
Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2–C6
Action & function
When the Longissimus Cervicis contracts, it produces the following movements: Bilaterally extends the cervical spine; unilaterally laterally flexes it.
As part of the Back group of the Trunk, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Longissimus Cervicis receives its nerve supply from the Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Posterior can weaken or paralyse the Longissimus Cervicis, impairing the movements it normally produces (bilaterally extends the cervical spine). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Longissimus Cervicis (the OIANS method)
Slot longissimus cervicis into the middle of the longissimus ladder: capitis reaches the head, cervicis serves the neck, and thoracis anchors the trunk. Because it runs from upper thoracic transverse processes to mid-cervical transverse processes, its job is purely on the cervical spine, so think transverse-process to transverse-process and you will recall both its attachments and its extension and lateral flexion actions.
Use the transverse-process insertion to separate cervicis from its neighbours. Unlike longissimus capitis, which climbs onto the mastoid process of the skull, cervicis stops at the posterior tubercles of the cervical transverse processes and never touches the head. Pairing it with iliocostalis cervicis, another neck-only erector spinae component, reinforces that this column is about steadying and extending the neck, not moving the cranium.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Longissimus Cervicis located?
The Longissimus Cervicis is a muscle of the Back group, located in the Trunk.
What is the origin of the Longissimus Cervicis?
Transverse processes of T1–T5
What is the insertion of the Longissimus Cervicis?
Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2–C6
What movements does the Longissimus Cervicis produce?
Bilaterally extends the cervical spine; unilaterally laterally flexes it
What nerve supplies the Longissimus Cervicis?
Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves
Is the Longissimus Cervicis free to study in OIANS?
The Longissimus Cervicis is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Trunk is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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