Longus Capitis: Origin, Insertion, Nerve, Action & The "Chin Tuck"

The Longus Capitis is a key member of the "Deep Neck Flexor" group, located deep in the anterior neck against the cervical vertebrae. Often overshadowed by the superficial Sternocleidomastoid (SCM), this muscle is critical for cervical spine stability and correcting "Forward Head Posture."

[Image of Longus Capitis anatomy]

Quick Anatomy Snapshot

Group	Prevertebral Muscles (Deep Neck Flexors).
Origin (Proximal)	Anterior tubercles of the Transverse Processes of C3, C4, C5, and C6.
Insertion (Distal)	Inferior surface of the Basilar part of the Occipital Bone.
Nerve Supply	Anterior Rami of C1, C2, and C3 spinal nerves.
Primary Actions	Bilateral: Flexion of the head on the neck (nodding/chin tuck). Unilateral: Lateral flexion and slight rotation of the head to the same side.

Deep Dive: The Postural Stabilizer

The Longus Capitis sits just lateral to the Longus Colli muscle. Together, they form the foundation for neck alignment.

1. The Name

Longus means long, and Capitis refers to the head. It is the "Long muscle of the head," distinguishing it from the Longus Colli ("Long muscle of the neck") which attaches only to vertebrae, not the skull.

2. The Danger Zone

The Longus Capitis lies immediately posterior to the Carotid Sheath (containing the Carotid Artery, Internal Jugular Vein, and Vagus Nerve) and the pharynx (throat). Because of these vital structures lying directly on top of it, manual therapy or dry needling here requires extreme caution.

Physio Corner: Clinical Relevance

💪 Functional Fact: The Longus Capitis is the primary muscle for the "Chin Tuck" movement. In patients with Whiplash or chronic neck pain, this muscle becomes inhibited (weak/inactive), and the superficial SCM takes over, leading to jutting of the chin and headaches.

Assessment: Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT)

Direct palpation is risky. Instead, we use functional tests.
The Test: The patient lies supine. A pressure cuff is placed behind the neck. The patient is asked to gently nod their chin "yes" without lifting their head.
Positive Sign: If the patient activates their SCM (you see the big neck muscles pop out) or extends their neck instead of tucking, the Longus Capitis/Colli are weak.

⚠️ Clinical Pathology: Cervicogenic Headache
Weakness in the Longus Capitis allows the upper cervical extensors (Suboccipitals) to shorten and tighten. This compression at the base of the skull is a leading cause of tension headaches radiating from the neck to the eye.

Functional Strength Testing

We test the endurance of the deep flexors.

Testing Tip: Look for "shaking" or the chin jutting forward. This indicates the deep stabilizers have failed and the superficial movers are trying to compensate.

Step-by-Step Procedure (Deep Neck Flexor Endurance)

Test	Patient Action & Observation
Endurance Test	Position: Supine, hook lying (knees bent). Action: Patient tucks the chin to the chest (double chin) and lifts the head 1 inch (2.5cm) off the table. Goal: Hold this position for 30+ seconds (Men) or 29+ seconds (Women). Failure: Chin pokes forward, head drops, or shaking occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Longus Capitis and Longus Colli?

Longus Capitis: Inserts onto the Occipital Bone (Skull). Flexes the Head.
Longus Colli: Inserts onto Cervical Vertebrae (C1-C6). Flexes the Neck/Spine. It lies medial to the Capitis.

Does it help with swallowing?

Indirectly. By stabilizing the cervical spine and reducing cervical lordosis (curve), it provides a stable background against which the pharynx and esophagus can compress food.

Why is "Forward Head Posture" bad for this muscle?

In forward head posture (text neck), the Longus Capitis is placed in a constantly lengthened and inhibited state ("Locked Long"). It becomes weak and unable to counteract the tight extensors at the back of the neck.

Test Your Knowledge: Longus Capitis Quiz

1. Where does the Longus Capitis insert?

2. What is the primary action of the Longus Capitis?

3. Which group does the Longus Capitis belong to?

4. The Longus Capitis originates from the transverse processes of:

5. Which exercise specifically targets the Longus Capitis?

6. The Longus Capitis is located _______ to the Longus Colli.

7. Which vital structure lies directly anterior to this muscle?

8. Weakness of Longus Capitis contributes to which posture?

9. Which nerve supplies the Longus Capitis?

10. During the Chin Tuck test, activation of which muscle indicates compensation?

References

• Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2018). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
• Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st ed. Elsevier.
• Jull, G. A., et al. (2008). Whiplash, Headache, and Neck Pain. Elsevier.