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Gray's Anatomy anterior neck plate highlighting longus colli along the cervical vertebral bodies
Gray's Anatomy, modified by Uwe Gille, Wikimedia Commons, public domain Image source

Head and neck / Prevertebral muscles

Longus colli

Flexes and stabilizes the cervical spine and assists slight rotation to the opposite side

Origin
Anterior surfaces of the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebral bodies and cervical transverse processes
Insertion
Anterior tubercle of the atlas, upper cervical vertebral bodies, and cervical transverse processes
Primary actions
Flexes and stabilizes the cervical spine and assists slight rotation to the opposite side

Anatomy source

OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e — Head, Neck, and Back

Open reference

Educational anatomy reference only. This page does not diagnose pain, injury, or movement limitations.

From anatomy to action

Explore the movement, not just the muscle.

A single muscle rarely explains a movement by itself. Use the related movement content to see how this anatomy may contribute, then choose a focused program when you want a complete progression.

Movement guides and exercises

forward head posture — corrective exercise recipe cover

Capacity focus

Forward Head Posture

Explore a more comfortable head and neck position without forcing a single “perfect” posture.

Open movement guide

Complete guided progressions

Ready to follow a focused plan?

These programs include this muscle through a related guide or corrective recipe.

Neck & Shoulder Reset Anterior Humeral Glide Fix