| Longus cervicis | Rectus capitis anterior |
| Longus capitis | Rectus capitis lateralis |
The Longus cervicis (Longus colli) is situated on the anterior surface of the vertebral column, between the atlas and the third thoracic vertebra. It is divisible into three portions, an inferior oblique, a superior oblique, and a vertical; its origin and insertion consist of tendinous slips. The inferior oblique portion, which is the smallest part of the muscle, arises from the front of the bodies of the first two or three thoracic vertebree; it runs upwards and laterally, and is inserted into the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae. The superior oblique portion arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth and fifth cervical vertebrae; it is directed upwards and medially, and is inserted by a narrow tendon into the anterolateral aspect of the tubercle on the anterior arch of the atlas. The vertical portion arises from the front of the bodies of the upper three thoracic and lower three cervical vertebrae, and is inserted into the front of the bodies of the second, third and fourth cervical vertebrae.
Nerve-supply.-The Longus cervicis is supplied by branches from the anterior primary rami of the second, third and fourth cervical nerves.
Actions.—-The Longus cervicis bends the cervical portion of the vertebral column forwards; in addition, the oblique portions flex the column laterally and the inferior oblique portion rotates it to the opposite side.
The Longus capitis, broad and thick above, narrow below, arises by tendinous slips from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, and is inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone..
Nerve-supply.-The Longus capitis is supplied by branches from the anterior primary rami of the first, second and third cervical nerves.
Action.-The Longus capitis flexes the head.
The Rectus capitis anterior is a short, flat muscle, situated behind the upper part of the Longus capitis. It arises from the anterior surface of the lateral mass of the atlas, and from the root of its transverse process, and is inserted into the inferior surface of the basilar part of the occipital bone in front of the occipital condyle.
Nerve-supply.—The Rectus capitis anterior is supplied by branches from the loop between the anterior primary rami of the first and second cervical nerves. Action-The Rectus capitis anterior flexes the head.
The Rectus capitis lateralis is a short, flat muscle, which arises from the upper surface of the transverse process of the atlas and is inserted into the under surface of the jugular process of the occipital bone. In view of its attachments and its relations to the anterior and posterior primary rami of the first cervical nerve, the rectus capitis lateralis is regarded as homologous with the posterior intertransverse muscles.
Nerve-supply.-The Rectus capitis lateralis is supplied by branches from the loop between the anterior primary rami of the first and second cervical nerves.
Action.–The Rectus capitis lateralis bends the head laterally.
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