Dominic Stone
The prevertebral muscles are a group of four muscles located in the head and neck. They are the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli muscles. These muscles are deep to the prevertebral layer of the deep cervical fascia and are divided into anterior prevertebral muscles and lateral prevertebral muscles. The primary function of the prevertebral muscles is to span the vertebrae, working with and antagonizing the deep muscles of the upper back.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The prevertebral muscles are located anterior to the cervical column
- They are divided into anterior and lateral prevertebral muscles
- They are innervated by nerve fibres from the dorsal root of the upper cervical ganglia
- They function to move the head and neck at the craniocervical junction
- They can be used to prevent a rare complication of oropharyngeal tumour surgery
The prevertebral muscles are located anterior to the cervical column
The prevertebral muscles are a group of four muscles located in the head and neck. They are the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli muscles. These muscles are found deep within the neck, specifically in the prevertebral or deep layer of the deep cervical fascia of the neck. The prevertebral muscles are located posterior to the prevertebral fascia, the posterior border of the retropharyngeal space, and anterior to the cervical vertebral column.
The primary function of the prevertebral muscles is to span the vertebrae, working in conjunction with and counteracting the deep muscles of the upper back. They are involved in movements of the head and neck at the craniocervical junction. For example, the longus colli muscle, when contracting bilaterally, produces flexion of the neck, while unilateral contraction results in rotation to the opposite side. The longus capitis, meanwhile, extends from the occipital bone to the inferior cervical vertebrae from C1 to C6, contributing to the stability and range of motion in the neck region.
The prevertebral muscles have important clinical significance, particularly in surgical procedures. For instance, during transoral surgical resection of oropharyngeal tumours, the use of prevertebral muscle flaps can prevent a rare but severe complication of internal carotid artery rupture and bleeding. Additionally, these muscles have specific origins, insertions, blood supply, and innervation patterns that are essential to understand in anatomical studies and surgical interventions.
The innervation of the prevertebral muscles is primarily through the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves. The longus capitis, for instance, receives innervation from the C1-C3 ventromedial branches of the cervical ventral rami. The rectus capitis anterior and rectus capitis lateralis are innervated by the dorsolateral branches of the anterior ramus of C1, with some contribution from the hypoglossal nerve. The understanding of the intricate anatomy and innervation of the prevertebral muscles is crucial for clinical practices and surgical procedures involving the head and neck regions.
Thigh Adduction: The Key Muscle for Powerful Movement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are divided into anterior and lateral prevertebral muscles
The prevertebral muscles are a group of four paired deep neck muscles, located anterior to the cervical vertebrae. They include the longus capitis, longus colli, rectus capitis anterior, and rectus capitis lateralis muscles. These muscles are enveloped by the prevertebral layer of the cervical fascia.
The prevertebral muscles are divided into anterior and lateral prevertebral muscles. The anterior prevertebral muscles are located directly posterior to the retropharyngeal space and medial to the neurovascular plane of the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, and subclavian artery. They include the longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and anterior scalene muscles. The longus colli muscle, for example, originates from the bodies of C5 to T3 vertebrae and the transverse processes of C3 to C5 vertebrae. It inserts into the anterior tubercle of the C1 vertebra and the bodies of the C2 to C4 vertebrae.
The lateral prevertebral muscles, on the other hand, are located posterior to the neurovascular plane of the cervical and brachial plexuses and subclavian artery. These include the rectus capitis lateralis, middle and posterior scalene muscles, levator scapulae, and splenius capitis. The rectus capitis lateralis, for instance, originates from the transverse process of the atlas and inserts into the jugular process of the occipital bone.
The primary function of the prevertebral muscles is to facilitate motions of the head and neck at the craniocervical junction. When contracting bilaterally, they produce flexion of the head and neck. Unilateral contraction, on the other hand, can cause lateral flexion or ipsilateral and contralateral rotation of the neck, depending on the specific muscle being activated.
Repairing Muscle Fibers: A Guide to Recovery and Healing
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are innervated by nerve fibres from the dorsal root of the upper cervical ganglia
Prevertebral muscles are deep muscles located in the anterior region of the cervical vertebral column. They include the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in spanning the vertebrae and facilitating movements of the head and neck at the craniocervical junction.
The prevertebral muscles receive their nerve supply from the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves. Specifically, the longus capitis is innervated by branches from C1-C3 of the ventromedial branches of the cervical ventral rami. The longus colli, another prevertebral muscle, receives its nerve supply from the ventromedial branches of C2-C6 of the cervical ventral rami.
The innervation of these prevertebral muscles, particularly the longus colli, is provided by nerve fibres originating from the dorsal root of the upper cervical ganglia. The upper cervical region, encompassing C1-C7 nerves, is a critical area where each nerve exits above its respective vertebra. The dorsal roots, in particular, are integral in transmitting sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS).
The dorsal root ganglia (DRG) house sensory neuron cell bodies and are crucial for pain transmission and modulation. They play a significant role in neuropathic pain development following injuries or inflammation in the area. The sensory nerve fibres that pass through the dorsal root ganglion carry signals to the spinal cord, contributing to our perception of sensations.
In summary, the prevertebral muscles, such as the longus capitis and longus colli, are innervated by nerve fibres originating from the dorsal root of the upper cervical ganglia. This innervation is essential for the functioning and coordination of movements in the head and neck region.
Developing Wings: Targeted Muscle Training for Aesthetics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They function to move the head and neck at the craniocervical junction
The prevertebral muscles are located in the cervical spine and are divided into anterior prevertebral muscles and lateral prevertebral muscles. They are situated posterior to the prevertebral fascia and anterior to the cervical vertebral column. The primary function of the prevertebral muscles is to facilitate movement of the head and neck at the craniocervical junction by spanning the vertebrae and working in conjunction with the deep muscles of the upper back.
The anterior prevertebral muscles include the longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior, and anterior scalene muscles. The longus colli originates from the bodies of C5 to T3 vertebrae and the transverse processes of C3 to C5 vertebrae. It inserts onto the anterior tubercle of the C1 vertebra and the bodies of the C2 to C4 vertebrae. When the longus colli contracts bilaterally, it results in flexion of the neck, while unilateral contraction causes rotation to the opposite side. The longus capitis extends from the occipital bone to the inferior cervical vertebrae from C1 to C6. It originates at the anterior tubercles and transverse processes of C3 to C6 and inserts on the basilar part of the occipita.
The lateral prevertebral muscles include the rectus capitis lateralis, middle and posterior scalene muscles, levator scapulae, and splenius capitis. The rectus capitis lateralis originates from the transverse process of the atlas and inserts onto the jugular process of the occipital bone. The levator scapulae has been observed to bypass its typical insertion point on the C1 transverse process and fuse with the inferior attachment of the rectus capitis lateralis muscle in rare cases.
The prevertebral muscles receive innervation from various sources. The longus capitis is innervated by branches from C1 to C3 of the ventromedial branches of the cervical ventral rami. The longus colli receives innervation from ventromedial branches from C2 to C6 of the cervical ventral rami. The rectus capitis anterior and rectus capitis lateralis are innervated by the dorsolateral branches of the anterior ramus of C1, with additional innervation from the hypoglossal nerve.
Muscles, Bones, and the Magic of Movement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They can be used to prevent a rare complication of oropharyngeal tumour surgery
The prevertebral muscles are located in the head and neck region, anterior to the cervical vertebral column. They include the rectus capitis anterior, rectus capitis lateralis, longus capitis, and longus colli muscles. These muscles play a crucial role in the movement of the head and neck at the craniocervical junction.
Transoral surgical resection of oropharyngeal tumours can, in rare cases, lead to exposure of the internal carotid artery. This exposure can result in a life-threatening complication: the rupture of the artery and severe bleeding. Prevertebral muscle flaps can be used to prevent this complication by providing coverage and protection to the internal carotid artery during the surgery.
The longus colli muscle, in particular, has a significant role in this context. It communicates with several important structures, including the prevertebral fascia, pharynx, oesophagus, cervical sympathetic trunk, carotid sheath, and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Additionally, the longus capitis muscle, which is near the cervical sympathetic trunk and carotid sheath, has been utilised as a pedicled flap for head and neck defect repairs with minimal morbidity.
In summary, prevertebral muscle flaps, especially those utilising the longus colli and longus capitis muscles, can be effective in preventing the rare but severe complication of internal carotid artery exposure during oropharyngeal tumour surgery. These muscles' proximity to vital structures and their ability to provide coverage make them valuable tools in ensuring the safety and success of such surgical procedures.
Striated Muscle Regeneration: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Prevertebral muscles are located in the cervical spine and are divided into anterior prevertebral muscles and lateral prevertebral muscles.
Anterior prevertebral muscles include longus colli, longus capitis, rectus capitis anterior and anterior scalene muscles.
Lateral prevertebral muscles include rectus capitis lateralis, middle and posterior scalene muscles, levator scapulae, and splenius capitis.
The primary function of the prevertebral muscles is to span the vertebrae and work with and antagonise the deep muscles of the upper back.
The prevertebral muscles are innervated by nerve fibres originating from the dorsal root of the upper cervical ganglia.
