The longus capitis connects the upper cervical transverse processes to the occipital bone, producing the nodding flexion at the cranio-cervical junction. Together with longus colli it forms the deep anterior cervical muscle complex essential for normal cervical spine posture and stability. Training the longus capitis through the cranio-cervical flexion test (chin tuck while supine) is the foundation of cervicogenic headache rehabilitation.
| Origin | Anterior tubercles of C3-C6 transverse processes |
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| Insertion | Inferior surface of the basilar occipital bone — immediately anterior to the foramen magnum |
| Nerve Supply | Ventral rami of C1-C3 |
| Blood Supply | Ascending pharyngeal and ascending cervical arteries |
| Actions | Cranio-cervical flexion (nodding — the upper cervical equivalent of longus colli); The primary muscle producing cranial nodding on the cervical spine |
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The cranio-cervical flexion test (progressive range of motion with pressure biofeedback — CCFT) assesses longus capitis and longus colli recruitment independently of the superficial sternocleidomastoid. Impaired deep neck flexor activation on CCFT is the most sensitive clinical test for chronic cervicogenic headache.
Not palpable from the surface — assessed via the CCFT with a pressure biofeedback unit placed behind the neck.
Longus capitis and colli inhibition producing cranio-cervical flexion impairment on CCFT managed with specific deep neck flexor re-education.
