Longus Capitis
Neck · Head & Neck
The Longus Capitis is found among the Neck muscles of the Head & Neck. It arises from Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6 and attaches to Basilar part of the occipital bone. When it contracts, it flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. Its nerve supply is the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
Insertion
Basilar part of the occipital bone
Action
Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint
Nerve
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3
Attachments explained
The Longus Capitis is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
Insertion
Basilar part of the occipital bone
Action & function
When the Longus Capitis contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint.
As part of the Neck group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Longus Capitis receives its nerve supply from the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3. This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) C1, C3.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3 or to its spinal roots (C1, C3) can weaken or paralyse the Longus Capitis, impairing the movements it normally produces (flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Longus Capitis (the OIANS method)
OIANS stands for Origin, Insertion, Action and Nerve, the four facts that uniquely define every skeletal muscle. To learn the Longus Capitis, work through them in order: picture its origin, trace the muscle to its insertion, reason out the action that shortening between those two points must create, then add the nerve that drives it.
Most students remember the Longus Capitis fastest by linking its action back to its attachments rather than memorising each fact in isolation. Once the origin and insertion make sense, the action usually follows logically.
Longus Capitis quick facts
- Region
- Head & Neck
- Group
- Neck
- Origin
- Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
- Insertion
- Basilar part of the occipital bone
- Action
- Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint
- Nerve
- Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3
- Spinal roots
- C1, C3
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Longus Capitis located?
The Longus Capitis is a muscle of the Neck group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Longus Capitis?
Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of vertebrae C3–C6
What is the insertion of the Longus Capitis?
Basilar part of the occipital bone
What movements does the Longus Capitis produce?
Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joint
What nerve supplies the Longus Capitis?
Anterior rami of cervical spinal nerves C1–C3
Is the Longus Capitis free to study in OIANS?
The Longus Capitis is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Longus Capitis
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.