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Longus capitis muscle

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 16, 2025

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The Longus capitis muscle is a small, thin muscle located in the neck region of the human body. It is one of several muscles that make up the suboccipital muscle group, which is responsible for movements of the head and neck.[7]

Structure

The Longus capitis muscle is a long, narrow muscle that originates from the transverse processes of the lower three cervical vertebrae (C3-C5). It inserts onto the basilar part of the occipital bone, a flat bone at the base of the skull. The muscle is comprised of two heads: a superior head and an inferior head.[1] The superior head arises from the transverse processes of C3 and C4, while the inferior head arises from the transverse process of C5.

Location

The Longus capitis muscle is located in the posterior neck region, just above the upper back. It is situated deep to the trapezius muscle and can be palpated by pressing on the upper back region near the base of the skull.[8]

Function

The main function of the Longus capitis muscle is to flex the head and neck. It works in conjunction with the other muscles of the suboccipital group to perform this movement. When the Longus capitis contracts, it tilts the head forward, bringing the chin closer to the chest.[6] This muscle also assists with rotation of the head to the opposite side.

Clinical significance

Problems with the Longus capitis muscle can lead to neck pain and tension headaches. Tightness or spasm in this muscle can also cause difficulty turning the head and neck, as well as difficulty maintaining proper posture.[4] Massage and stretching exercises can help to alleviate tension in the Longus capitis muscle and prevent these issues. In cases of severe muscle spasm or tension, physical therapy or other forms of treatment may be necessary.

References

  1. Gray, H. (2020). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0702077050.
  2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2018). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 978-1496347213.
  3. Netter, F. H. (2018). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0323393225.Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2019). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0323393041.
  4. Standring, S. (2016). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (41st ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0702052309.
  5. Snell, R. S. (2018). Clinical Anatomy by Regions (10th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1496345646.
  6. Rohen, J. W., Yokochi, C., & Lütjen-Drecoll, E. (2021). Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body (9th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1975151345.
  7. Cunningham, D. J., & Romanes, G. J. (2015). Cunningham’s Manual of Practical Anatomy (Vol. 3, 16th ed.). Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0199234462.