Neck
longus capitis
LON-gus KAP-ih-tiss
A deep anterior neck flexor, the longus capitis flexes the head forward and stabilizes cervical vertebrae. It counters posterior muscles during neck crunches or wrestling bridges. Key for balanced neck strength and preventing forward head posture.
Open in 3D ViewerCommon Pain & Injury
Strains rare but cause deep throat/neck pain on flexion. Associated with whiplash. Doctor for swallowing difficulty or radiating arm pain.
Anatomy & Function
Origin
C3-C6 transverse processes (mid-neck bones)
Insertion
Occipital bone (base of skull)
Actions
- Flexes head/neck (chin to chest)
- Stabilizes cervical spine
Innervation
Ventral rami C1-C3
Muscle Relationships
Antagonists
Longissimus capitis
Synergists
Longus colliScalenus anterior
Trigger Points
Deep anterior neck; refers to forehead or orbit.
Stretches
1Chin tuck hold
2Deep neck flexor stretch
3Forward neck flexion
Common Conditions
Whiplash-associated disorderCervical myofascial pain
Anatomical Parts
Right longus capitisLeft longus capitis
FAQ
Longus capitis function?
Flexes the head and stabilizes neck.
Deep neck pain causes?
Strained longus capitis from sudden flexion.
Longus capitis exercises?
Neck flexion curls target it.
Anterior neck muscle pain?
Overuse leads to deep ache on movement.
Exercises for longus capitis
8
Chin To Chest Stretch
beginner
Isometric Neck Exercise - Front And Back
beginner·Bodyweight
Isometric Neck Exercise - Sides
beginner·Bodyweight
Lying Face Down Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Lying Face Up Plate Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Neck-SMR
intermediate·other
Seated Head Harness Neck Resistance
intermediate·other
Side Neck Stretch
beginner
Also Works longus 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 longus capitis