Longissimus Cervicis (Musculus longissimus cervicis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The intermediate portion of the longissimus column located medial to the iliocostalis cervicis. It arises by narrow tendons from the transverse processes of the upper four to six thoracic vertebrae and ascends to insert into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae C2 through C6. It stabilizes the cervicothoracic junction and executes neck extension and lateral bending.
Origin & insertion
From the transverse processes of the upper four or five thoracic vertebrae (T1–T5), into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the second through sixth cervical vertebrae (C2–C6).
Action
Extends and laterally flexes the cervical vertebral column; assists in rotating the neck.
Innervation
Posterior rami of middle and lower cervical spinal nerves (C3–C8).
Clinical notes
In whiplash acceleration-deceleration injuries, eccentric strain of the longissimus cervicis leads to persistent dorsal paracervical pain and restricted cervical range of motion.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Longissimus Cervicis?
The intermediate portion of the longissimus column located medial to the iliocostalis cervicis. It arises by narrow tendons from the transverse processes of the upper four to six thoracic vertebrae and ascends to insert into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae C2 through C6. It stabilizes the cervicothoracic junction and executes neck extension and lateral bending.
Why is the Longissimus Cervicis clinically important?
In whiplash acceleration-deceleration injuries, eccentric strain of the longissimus cervicis leads to persistent dorsal paracervical pain and restricted cervical range of motion.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details