The prevertebral muscles are a group of deep muscles located anteriorly and laterally to the cervical spine. They lie posterior to the pharynx and oesophagus, separated from these structures by the prevertebral fascia. The prevertebral muscles act to flex and stabilise the cervical spine. In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the prevertebral muscles – their attachments, actions and innervation. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Longus Colli The longus colli is the largest and deepest of the prevertebral muscles. It can be divided into three parts: superior oblique, vertical and inferior oblique. Attachments: Superior oblique part – originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C5 and inserts onto the anterior tubercle of the atlas (C1). Vertical part – originates from the bodies of T1-T3 and inserts onto the bodies of C2-C4. Inferior oblique part – originates from the bodies of T1-T3 and inserts onto the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C5-C6. Function – Flexes the cervical spine, assists with contralateral rotation, and stabilises the cervical vertebral column during movement. Innervation – Anterior rami of C2-C6 spinal nerves. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The prevertebral muscles of the neck. Longus Capitis The longus capitis lies lateral to the superior part of the longus colli. It extends from the mid-cervical vertebrae to the base of the skull. Attachments – Originates from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3-C6 and inserts onto the basilar part of the occipital bone. Function – Flexes the head at the atlanto-occipital joints and assists in stabilising the upper cervical spine. Innervation – Anterior rami of C1-C3 spinal nerves. Rectus Capitis Anterior The rectus capitis anterior is a short muscle located anterior to the atlanto-occipital joint. Attachments – Originates from the transverse process of the atlas (C1) and inserts onto the basilar part of the occipital bone. Function – Flexes and stabilises the head at the atlanto-occipital joint. Innervation – Anterior rami of C1-C2 spinal nerves. Rectus Capitis Lateralis The rectus capitis lateralis is the smallest of the prevertebral muscles and lies lateral to the rectus capitis anterior. Attachments – Originates from the transverse process of the atlas (C1) and inserts onto the jugular process of the occipital bone. Function – Laterally flexes the head and stabilises the atlanto-occipital joint. Innervation – Anterior rami of C1-C2 spinal nerves. Clinical Relevance Whiplash Injury The prevertebral muscles play an important role in stabilising the cervical spine during movement. In a whiplash injury, rapid acceleration-deceleration of the head produces excessive flexion and extension of the neck, resulting in strain of the cervical muscles and supporting ligaments. Most whiplash injuries involve soft tissue damage without associated fracture or dislocation. Patients typically present with neck pain, stiffness and reduced range of movement. Spasm and inflammation of the prevertebral muscles may contribute to persistent symptoms. Management is usually conservative, consisting of analgesia, early mobilisation and physiotherapy to restore normal neck function. Do you think you’re ready? Take the quiz below Pro Feature - Quiz Prevertebral Muscles of the Neck Question 1 of 2 Submitting... Skip Next Rate question: You scored 0% Skipped: 0/2 1800 More Questions Available Upgrade to TeachMeAnatomy Pro Challenge yourself with over 1800 multiple-choice questions to reinforce learning Learn More Rate This Article