The longus colli, also known as the longus cervicis, is the longest prevertebral muscle of the neck. It extends between the first cervical (atlas) and third thoracic vertebrae, crossing over the entire length of the neck. It lies below the longus capitis muscle.

The longus colli is composed of three different types of fibers, and therefore it has three parts - superior oblique (upper), vertical or intermediate (central) and inferior oblique (lower). Each portion has different origin and insertion sites described below. Overall, the upper and lower parts are narrower than the central portion.

Origin: superior oblique part - anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third to fifth cervical vertebrae (C3 - C5); vertical or intermediate part - anterior surfaces of the bodies of the fifth cervical to third thoracic vertebrae (C5 - T3); inferior oblique part - anterior surfaces of the bodies of the first to third thoracic vertebra (T1 - T3).

Insertion: superior oblique part - anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1); vertical or intermediate part - anterior surfaces of the bodies of the second to fourth cervical vertebrae (C2 - C4); inferior oblique part - anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth to sixth cervical vertebrae (C5 - C6).

Action: bilateral contractions - flexion of the neck; unilateral contractions - lateral flexion of the neck to the ipsilateral (same) side (provided by the superior and inferior oblique parts), rotation of the neck to the contralateral (opposite) side (provided by the inferior oblique part).

Innervation: anterior rami of the second to sixth cervical spinal nerves (C2 - C6) of the cervical plexus.

Blood supply: muscular branches of the vertebral artery, muscular branches of the ascending cervical artery, muscular branches of the inferior thyroid artery.

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Longus colli