Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Muscles and fascia of the neck
Deep muscles of the neck
Medial group of the deep neck muscles

The medial (prevertebral) group of deep Neck Muscles comprises muscles located on both sides of the median plane of the body, extending from the third thoracic vertebra to the external Base of the Skull. These muscles include the longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis (Fig. 114).

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Fig. 114. Deep Muscles of the Neck (medial group)

1 — rectus capitis anterior, 2 — rectus capitis lateralis, 3 — longus capitis, 4 — longus colli, 5 — anterior scalene Muscle, 6 — middle scalene muscle, 7 — intercostal muscles

The longus colli muscle (m. longus colli) is triangular in shape and lies on the anterolateral surface of the spine, extending from the third thoracic to the first cervical vertebra. It can be divided into three parts: the lower oblique, middle vertical, and upper oblique. The lower oblique part originates from the anterior surface of the bodies of the upper three thoracic vertebrae and inserts into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the VI–V cervical vertebrae. The middle vertical part arises from the anterior surface of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and lower three cervical vertebrae, ascends vertically, and inserts into the anterior surface of the bodies of the II–IV cervical vertebrae. The upper oblique part originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the III, IV, and V cervical vertebrae, ascends, and inserts into the body of the second cervical vertebra and the anterior tubercle of the atlas. Function: bilateral contraction flexes the cervical spine, whereas unilateral contraction bends it to the side. Contraction of the upper oblique part rotates the HEAD to the same side, while contraction of the lower oblique part rotates it to the opposite side.

Innervation: Cervical plexus (CII–CVI).

The longus capitis muscle (m. longus capitis) partially covers the upper portion of the longus colli. It originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the III–VI cervical vertebrae, extends upward and slightly medially, and inserts into the Inferior surface of the basilar part of the Occipital bone. Function: flexes the head forward and laterally, and also provides slight rotational Movements of the head.

Innervation: cervical plexus (CI–CIV).

The rectus capitis anterior muscle (m. rectus capitis anterior) lies deep to the longus capitis. It originates from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas and inserts into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone, just anterior to the foramen magnum. Function: flexes the head forward.

Innervation: cervical plexus (CI–CII).

The rectus capitis lateralis muscle (m. rectus capitis lateralis) originates from the transverse process of the atlas, ascends, and inserts into the lateral part of the occipital bone. Function: bends the head to its own side.

Innervation: cervical plexus (CI).



Last update: 08/08/2026

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