Longus Colli
Neck · Head & Neck
The longus colli is the longest of the prevertebral muscles, lying on the anterior surface of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebral column. It is arranged in three parts whose fibres run in different directions across a broad span, with attachments reaching from the bodies and anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3 to T3 up to the anterior tubercle of the atlas, the bodies of C2 to C4, and the transverse processes of C5 and C6. Acting together, the two longus colli muscles flex the cervical spine, and their obliquely running fibres also contribute a small amount of rotation and lateral flexion. It is supplied by the anterior rami of the cervical spinal nerves C2 to C6.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Bodies and anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–T3
Insertion
Anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1), bodies of C2–C4, and transverse processes of C5–C6
Action
Flexes and slightly rotates the cervical vertebral column
Nerve
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C2–C6
Attachments explained
The Longus Colli 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
Bodies and anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–T3
Insertion
Anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1), bodies of C2–C4, and transverse processes of C5–C6
Action & function
When the Longus Colli contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexes and slightly rotates the cervical vertebral column.
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 Colli receives its nerve supply from the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C2–C6. This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C2, C6.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C2–C6 or to its spinal roots (C2, C6) can weaken or paralyse the Longus Colli, impairing the movements it normally produces (flexes and slightly rotates the cervical vertebral column). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Longus Colli (the OIANS method)
Approach the longus colli not as one strap but as a three-part sheet covering the front of the cervical vertebrae from the atlas down into the upper thorax. Rather than memorising every attachment, hold onto the principle that a muscle lying directly in front of the vertebral bodies must flex the neck, while its oblique fibres add slight rotation and side bending. The wide C3 to T3 span simply tells you how far this prevertebral sheet extends.
For the nerve, keep it within the cervical anterior rami (C2 to C6), which distinguishes the prevertebral muscles from the deep back muscles supplied by dorsal rami. Studying the longus colli alongside the longus capitis, which sits just above it and shares the flexing role, gives you a coherent picture of the anterior column that opposes the suboccipital extensors behind.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Longus Colli located?
The Longus Colli is a muscle of the Neck group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Longus Colli?
Bodies and anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–T3
What is the insertion of the Longus Colli?
Anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1), bodies of C2–C4, and transverse processes of C5–C6
What movements does the Longus Colli produce?
Flexes and slightly rotates the cervical vertebral column
What nerve supplies the Longus Colli?
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C2–C6
Is the Longus Colli free to study in OIANS?
The Longus Colli 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
Study the Longus Colli
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