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Longissimus cervicis muscle

The Longissimus cervicis is an important deep muscle of the back, part of the erector spinae group, and plays a crucial role in the extension and lateral flexion of the cervical spine. This muscle, sometimes referred to as the transversalis cervicis, extends longitudinally along the neck, contributing to the stability and movement of the cervical vertebrae. Its precise anatomical position and relationship with neighboring structures make it clinically significant in spine assessment, surgery, and musculoskeletal imaging.

Synonyms

  • Longissimus colli

  • Transversalis cervicis

Function

  • Extension of the cervical vertebral column

  • Lateral flexion (side bending) of the cervical spine

  • Assists in maintaining posture

Origin

  • Transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T5/T6)

Insertion

  • Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of cervical vertebrae (C2-C6)

Nerve Supply

  • Dorsal rami of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves

Artery Supply

  • Deep cervical artery

  • Branches of the posterior intercostal arteries

Vein Supply

  • Deep cervical vein

  • Corresponding veins accompanying the arteries

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted images: The Longissimus cervicis appears as an intermediate signal intensity structure, well delineated from the surrounding fat (hyperintense on T1).

  • T2-weighted images: Muscle appears as intermediate signal intensity; fat and edema, if present, appear hyperintense.

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery): The muscle itself remains low-to-intermediate signal, but areas of edema or pathology (e.g., myositis, trauma) show as bright hyperintense signals against the suppressed fat background.

CT Appearance

  • On CT imaging, the Longissimus cervicis is visualized as a well-defined, soft tissue density structure, lateral to the spinous processes and medial to the longissimus thoracis. It is best appreciated on axial and coronal views, with no intrinsic calcifications or abnormal density under normal conditions.

MRI images

Longissimus cervicis muscle mri axial image