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Longest muscle
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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The longest muscle (m. Longissimus) is the largest of the three muscles that form the muscle that straightens the spine.
It is located medial to the ileal-rib muscle, between it and the spinous muscle. The longest muscle secrets the longest muscle of the chest, the longest neck muscle and the longest muscle of the head.
The longest muscle of the breast (m. Longissimus thoracis) is the largest, originating on the posterior surface of the sacrum, the transverse processes of the lumbar and lower thoracic vertebrae and attached to the posterior surface of the lower nine ribs between their tubercles and corners and to the apex of the transverse processes of all thoracic vertebrae.
The longest muscle of the neck (m. Longissimus cervicis) begins with long tendons at the apexes of the transverse processes of the upper five thoracic vertebrae and attaches itself to the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the VI-II cervical vertebrae.
The longest muscle of the head (m. Longissimus capitis) begins with tendon bundles on the transverse processes of I-III thoracic III-VII cervical vertebrae, attached to the posterior surface of the mastoid process of the temporal bone under the tendons of the sternocleid-mastoid muscle and the belt muscle of the head.
Functions: the longest muscles of the chest and neck unbend the spine and tilt it in their direction. The longest muscle of the head unbends the head, turns the face to its side.
Innervation: posterior branches of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves (CII-LV).
Blood supply: lumbar, posterior intercostal arteries, deep cervical artery.