Longissimus Cervicis

General information

The Longissimus muscle is the middle part and biggest chunk of the erector spinae muscles and sits lateral to the spinalis. The muscle is divided into three parts, depending on the where the muscle sits along the spine: longissimus capitis, longissimus cervicis, longissimus thoracis.

Literal meaning

The longest muscle of the neck.

Interesting information

The longissimus cervicis is the middle section of the muscle, and sits between the other two longissimus muscles.

Origin

Posterior surface of transverse processes of T1 to T5.

Insertion

Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2 to C6.

Function

Extend the vertebral column.

Nerve supply

Dorsal rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves (C4 to T4).

Blood supply

Dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries from the thoracic aorta.

Relevant research

None

Longissimus cervicis exercises

None