Inferior Oblique Part of Left Longus Colli (Pars obliqua inferior musculi longi colli)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The lower oblique segment of the longus colli muscle, connecting the upper thoracic vertebral bodies to the lower cervical transverse processes. It arises from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the first two or three thoracic vertebrae and ascends obliquely laterally to insert into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. It laterally flexes the lower cervical spine and rotates it to the opposite side.
Origin & insertion
From the anterior aspect of the bodies of the upper two or three thoracic vertebrae (T1–T3), into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C5 and C6.
Action
Laterally flexes the cervical spine; rotates the lower cervical vertebrae toward the opposite side.
Innervation
Anterior rami of C5 and C6 cervical spinal nerves.
Clinical notes
Lies in the immediate medial bed of the sympathetic trunk and stellate ganglion; anterior surgical approaches to the lower cervical spine require lateral reflection of this muscle.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Inferior Oblique Part of Left Longus Colli?
The lower oblique segment of the longus colli muscle, connecting the upper thoracic vertebral bodies to the lower cervical transverse processes. It arises from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of the first two or three thoracic vertebrae and ascends obliquely laterally to insert into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. It laterally flexes the lower cervical spine and rotates it to the opposite side.
Why is the Inferior Oblique Part of Left Longus Colli clinically important?
Lies in the immediate medial bed of the sympathetic trunk and stellate ganglion; anterior surgical approaches to the lower cervical spine require lateral reflection of this muscle.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details