Deep Neck Flexors Muscles

Description

Three of the four deep neck flexor muscles

Anterior neck muscles. Activated in neck flexion (flexors).

Names

• Deep Neck Flexors Muscles
• Neck Core
• Cervical Deep Neck Flexors
• Prevertebral muscle group
• Deep Cervical Flexor Muscles
• Deep Neck Flexors (DNF)
• Prevertebral Muscles of the Neck
• Prevertebral Cervical Muscles
• Anterior Deep Cervical Muscles
• Longus Colli and Longus Capitis
• Craniocervical Flexor Muscles
• Intrinsic Cervical Flexor Muscles
• Deep Anterior Cervical Muscles
• Cervical Prevertebral Flexors

General

• Group of muscles located in the deep anterior aspect of the neck

Muscles

• Longus Capitis
• Longus Colli
• Rectus Capitis Anterior
• Rectus Capitis Lateralis

Functions

• Bilateral: neck flexion
• Unilateral: head rotation, lateral flexion
• Stabilize the atlanto occipital joint

Innervation

• Cervical Plexus: Anterior rami of spinal nerves C1-C6 depending on muscle

Vascular Supply

• Branches of
  • Ascending cervical artery
  • Inferior thyroid artery
  • Vertebral arteries
  • Ascending pharyngeal arteries
  • Occipital arteries

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Chronic Neck Pain
• Cervicogenic Headache
• Cervical Whiplash
• Cervical Spine Instability
• Post Concussive Cervical Dysfunction

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See Also

• Physical Exam Neck
• Neck Anatomy Main
• Neck Pain Main

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