Longus Capitis
Neck · Head & Neck
The longus capitis is a prevertebral muscle lying anterior to the upper cervical vertebrae and largely covering the upper part of the longus colli. It arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3 to C6 and ascends to insert on the basilar part of the occipital bone. Because it connects the cervical spine to the skull base along the front of the vertebral column, it flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. It is supplied by the anterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves C1 to C3.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
Insertion
Basilar part of the occipital bone
Action
Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint
Nerve
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3
Attachments explained
The Longus Capitis 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
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
Insertion
Basilar part of the occipital bone
Action & function
When the Longus Capitis contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
As part of the Neck group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Longus Capitis receives its nerve supply from the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3. This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C1, C3.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3 or to its spinal roots (C1, C3) can weaken or paralyse the Longus Capitis, impairing the movements it normally produces (flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Longus Capitis (the OIANS method)
Distinguish the longus capitis from the longus colli by its destination: colli acts on the neck, whereas capitis reaches all the way to the head at the basilar occipital bone. Because it runs up the front of the vertebral column onto the skull base, its action is straightforward head flexion at the atlanto-occipital joint. Visualising it as the upper, head-bound partner of the longus colli keeps the prevertebral pair organised.
Fix the nerve as the upper cervical anterior rami (C1 to C3), consistent with the other prevertebral flexors. It is worth pairing the longus capitis with the small rectus capitis anterior, since both are anterior flexors of the head that oppose the suboccipital extensors behind, letting you learn the front and back of the craniovertebral junction as a balanced set.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Longus Capitis located?
The Longus Capitis is a muscle of the Neck group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Longus Capitis?
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
What is the insertion of the Longus Capitis?
Basilar part of the occipital bone
What movements does the Longus Capitis produce?
Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint
What nerve supplies the Longus Capitis?
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3
Is the Longus Capitis free to study in OIANS?
The Longus Capitis 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 Head & Neck 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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