Longissimus Capitis (Left) (Musculus longissimus capitis)

Anatomy

The superior cranial termination of the longissimus muscle column, lying deep to splenius capitis and medial to the cervical longissimus. It arises from the transverse processes of the upper thoracic and articular processes of the middle and lower cervical vertebrae, ascending vertically to insert onto the posterior margin of the mastoid process of the temporal bone. It extends the head at the atlanto-occipital joint and rotates the chin toward the same side.

Origin & insertion

From the transverse processes of the upper four or five thoracic vertebrae and the articular processes of the lower three or four cervical vertebrae, into the posterior margin of the mastoid process deep to splenius capitis.

Action

Extends the head and tilts the face upward; unilaterally rotates the head and face to the ipsilateral side.

Innervation

Posterior rami of middle and lower cervical spinal nerves (C3–C8).

Clinical notes

Direct attachment to the mastoid process makes the longissimus capitis a frequent source of tension-type occipital headaches radiating behind the ear.

Related structures

• Left temporal bone
• C4 — fourth cervical vertebra
• C7 — seventh cervical vertebra
• T3 — third thoracic vertebra

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