Longissimus capitis
Back
Deep muscle — it lies under other muscles. X-ray makes the muscles over it see-through.
- Origin
- Transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae and articular processes of the lower cervical vertebrae
- Insertion
- Mastoid process of the temporal bone
- Action
- Extends the head; alone, tilts and turns it to the same side
- Nerve supply
- Dorsal rami of the spinal nerves
The only part of the erector spinae that reaches the skull. It runs up the side of the neck to the bony bump behind the ear.