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The Longus Colli is a member of the Prevertebral Group, which is composed of the:
- Longus colli
- Longus capitis
- Rectus capitis anterior
- Rectus capitis lateralis
The Longus Colli has three parts: Inferior Oblique, Vertical, and Superior Oblique.
ATTACHMENTS:
- The longus colli attaches from C3-T3 to C1-C6.
- The inferior attachments onto C3-T3 are onto the transverse processes and anterior bodies.
- The superior attachments onto C1-C6 are onto the anterior arch of C1 and the transverse processes and anterior bodies of C2-C6.
ACTIONS:
- Flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
- Laterally flexes the neck at the spinal joints.
NOTE: The carotid sinus of the common carotid artery lies extremely close to the longus colli, so manual therapy in this region should be done judiciously.
