Prevertebral Muscles Anatomy
1. Longus capitis muscle
2. Longus colli muscle
Origin: The longus capitis arises from the anterior tubercles of the C3-6 vertebral transverse processes. The longus colli arises from the bodies of the T1-3 vertebrae, the bodies of the C4-7 vertebrae, and transverse processes of the C3-6 vertebrae.
Insertion: The longus capitis attaches to the basilar portion
of the occipital bone. The colli portion attaches to the anterior tubercle of
the atlas (C1), the bodies of the C2-4 vertebrae, and transverse processes of
the C5-6 vertebrae.
Action: Both muscles flex the neck, although the longus
colli is weak. The longus colli also slightly rotates and laterally bends the
neck.
Innervation: The longus capitis is supplied by the C1-3 ventral
rami. The longus colli is supplied by the C2-6 ventral rami.
Comment: The longus capitis and longus colli lie in front of
the cervical vertebrae and are often called prevertebral muscles. They help other muscles flex the cervical spine.
Clinical: These muscles and the scalene muscles comprise anterior muscle groups often lumped together as
“prevertebral” muscles. They are encased in a strong fascial sleeve called the
prevertebral fascia and do not tolerate swelling well because of this tight enclosure. Just anterior to the
prevertebral fascia, where it covers the bodies of the cervical vertebrae, lies the retropharyngeal space (this space is posterior
to the buccopharyngeal fascia [the posterior portion of the pretracheal fascia]
covering the posterior pharynx and esophagus). Infections in this vertical
space may pass superiorly to the base of the skull or inferiorly into the posterior mediastinum of the
thorax.
1. Scalene muscles
Origin (superior attachment): The anterior scalene arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse
processes of C3-6 vertebrae. The middle and posterior scalenes arise from the
posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C2-7 (middle) and C4-6
(posterior) vertebrae.
Insertion (inferior attachment): The anterior scalene attaches to the scalene tubercle of the 1st rib.
The middle scalene attaches to the superior surface of the 1st rib. The
posterior scalene attaches to the external border of the 2nd rib.
Action: The anterior and middle scalenes elevate the 1st
rib. When that rib is fixed, they also flex the neck forward and laterally and
rotate it to the opposite side. The posterior scalene raises the 2nd rib and
flexes and slightly rotates the neck.
Innervation: The anterior scalene is innervated by C5-7 ventral
rami; the middle scalene, by C3-8 ventral rami; and the posterior scalene, by
ventral rami of C6-8.
Comment: The scalene muscles are often called lateral
vertebral muscles. They form a large portion of the floor of the posterior
cervical triangle. Components of the brachial plexus can be seen emerging between the anterior and middle scalene
muscles.
Clinical: The scalene muscles are accessory muscles of respiration and help elevate the first 2 ribs
during deep or labored breathing. They are crossed by the accessory nerve (CN XI) as it passes between the sternocleidomastoid
and trapezius muscles. The phrenic nerve (C3-5) is observed on the anterior
surface of the anterior scalene muscle; it courses inferiorly toward the
diaphragm, which it innervates. Trauma to the neck can damage these nerves.
