Neck

longus colli

LON-gus KOL-lye

The longus colli is the primary deep neck flexor, spanning all cervical vertebrae to flex and stabilize the neck. Crucial for chin tucks and preventing slouched posture in long training sessions. Builds neck endurance for grapplers and cyclists.

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Common Pain & Injury

Involved in whiplash with deep neck pain limiting rotation. Pain on flexion. Seek care for persistent stiffness or headaches.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

C5-T3 and T1-T3 bodies (lower cervical to upper thoracic vertebrae)

Insertion

C1-C5 transverse processes and bodies (upper to mid-neck)

Actions

Flexes cervical spine (chin tuck)
Rotates neck contralaterally

Innervation

Ventral rami C2-C6

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Semispinalis cervicis

Synergists

Longus capitisAnterior scalene

Trigger Points

Anterior vertebrae; refers to neck, shoulder, or mastoid.

Stretches

1Chin tuck progression

2Supine neck flexion

3Cervical rotation stretch

Common Conditions

Cervical strainWhiplash injury

Anatomical Parts

Inferior oblique part of left longus colliSuperior oblique part of left longus colli

FAQ

What does longus colli do?

Flexes and stabilizes the deep neck.

Longus colli pain?

Causes deep cervical ache from trauma.

Longus colli stretch?

Chin tucks release it effectively.

Deep neck pain muscle?

Longus colli strain common post-whiplash.

Exercises for longus colli

Also Works longus colli

Spinal Stretch

beginner

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

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Activities & Sports

See which activities use longus colli

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