Longus capitis muscle

The longus capitis muscle (Latin for long muscle of the head, alternatively rectus capitis anticus major), is broad and thick above, narrow below, and arises by four tendinous slips, from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebræ, and ascends, converging toward its fellow of the opposite side, to be inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone.

Longus capitis muscle
The anterior vertebral muscles.
Details
Origin	anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth cervical vertebræ
Insertion	basilar part of the occipital bone
Nerve	C1-C3/C4
Actions	flexion of neck at atlanto-occipital joint
Identifiers
Latin	musculus longus capitis
TA	A04.2.01.003
FMA	46308
Anatomical terms of muscle

It is innervated by a branch of cervical plexus.

Longus capitis has several actions:

acting unilaterally, to:

• flex the head and neck laterally
• rotate the head ipsilaterally

acting bilaterally:

• flex the head and neck[1]