Vertical Intermediate Part of Left Longus Colli (Pars verticalis musculi longi colli)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The main longitudinal, medial component of the longus colli extending vertically across the cervicothoracic junction. It originates from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and lower three cervical vertebrae and ascends straight upward to insert into the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the second, third and fourth cervical vertebrae. Working bilaterally, it acts as a primary flexor of the cervical spine, flattening cervical lordosis.
Origin & insertion
From the front of the bodies of T1–T3 and C5–C7, into the anterior aspect of the bodies of C2 (axis), C3 and C4.
Action
Direct anterior flexor of the cervical vertebral column; restrains hyperextension of the neck.
Innervation
Anterior rami of C2 through C6 cervical spinal nerves.
Clinical notes
Severe hyperextension trauma in rear-end automobile collisions tears the vertical part of longus colli and anterior longitudinal ligament, contributing to post-whiplash cervical instability.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Vertical Intermediate Part of Left Longus Colli?
The main longitudinal, medial component of the longus colli extending vertically across the cervicothoracic junction. It originates from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and lower three cervical vertebrae and ascends straight upward to insert into the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the second, third and fourth cervical vertebrae. Working bilaterally, it acts as a primary flexor of the cervical spine, flattening cervical lordosis.
Why is the Vertical Intermediate Part of Left Longus Colli clinically important?
Severe hyperextension trauma in rear-end automobile collisions tears the vertical part of longus colli and anterior longitudinal ligament, contributing to post-whiplash cervical instability.
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