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Muscles/Neck

Neck

longissimus capitis

lon-JIS-ih-mus KAP-ih-tiss

Part of the erector spinae group, the longissimus capitis extends from the upper back along the neck to the skull, turning and tilting the head. It stabilizes the head during heavy lifts like deadlifts. Strong neck extensors prevent whiplash and support posture in athletes.

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Common Pain & Injury

Strains from whiplash or poor posture cause occipital headaches and neck stiffness. Pain radiates to the head. See a doctor if headaches worsen or with dizziness.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Mastoid process and C4-T5 vertebrae (behind ear and mid-neck to upper back)

Insertion

Occipital bone (base of skull)

Actions

  • Extends head (tilts back)
  • Laterally flexes and rotates neck

Innervation

Dorsal rami of cervical nerves

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Sternocleidomastoid

Synergists

Splenius capitisTrapezius

Trigger Points

Along upper neck; refers pain to occiput, temple, and jaw.

Stretches

1Chin tuck extension
2Neck rotation stretch
3Upper trap levator stretch

Common Conditions

Cervicogenic headacheNeck strain

Anatomical Parts

Right longissimus capitisLeft longissimus capitis

FAQ

What does longissimus capitis do?

Extends and rotates the head, stabilizing during lifts.

Longissimus capitis pain?

Causes neck stiffness and headaches from tension.

Longissimus capitis stretch?

Use chin tucks and side bends for relief.

Neck muscle headache?

Tight longissimus capitis often refers pain to the occiput.

Exercises for longissimus capitis

8

Also Works longissimus capitis

1

Related Neck Muscles

arytenoid cartilage
Paired laryngeal cartilages in throat enabling voice production via vocal cord movement. Not muscle but closest for neck; singers train supporting muscles. Vital for breathing/speaking.
Ascending part of right trapezius
The ascending part of the right trapezius is the uppermost portion of the trapezius muscle on the right side, running from the base of the skull and upper cervical spine up toward the clavicle and shoulder. It elevates the scapula (shoulder blade) and assists in neck extension and rotation, crucial for shrugging movements and maintaining upright posture during lifts. Strong ascending traps prevent neck strain in overhead presses and rows.
cervical rotator
Cervical rotators are deep neck muscles like obliquus capitis inferior and splenius cervicis that turn the head side-to-side. Located deep in the upper cervical spine, they enable rotation for looking over shoulder. Vital for neck mobility in sports and daily turns.
cricothyroid
The cricothyroid is a small intrinsic laryngeal muscle in the anterior neck, tensing vocal cords for higher pitch. Located between cricoid and thyroid cartilages, it's key for singing and speaking. Matters for vocal athletes like singers.
digastric
The digastric has anterior and posterior bellies under the jaw, opening the mouth by depressing mandible. Runs from mandible to mastoid via sling, key for chewing and yawning.
geniohyoid
Thin neck muscle under chin pulling hyoid forward/up, geniohyoid aids swallowing and tongue movement. Supports neck stability in planks.
hyoglossus
The hyoglossus is a thin tongue muscle running from the hyoid bone (under chin) up into the tongue's side. It depresses and retracts the tongue, aiding swallowing and speech. Rarely targeted in fitness, but dysfunction affects eating and breathing mechanics.
iliocostalis cervicis
Iliocostalis cervicis is the neck portion of the erector spinae, running vertically along upper back to cervical ribs. It extends and laterally bends the neck, vital for posture in overhead lifts and sports. Supports head stability in fitness.

Neck Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use longissimus capitis

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide