longissimus capitis (musculus trachelomastoideus, musculus transversus capitis)

Origin

• transverse processes of upper thoracic vertebrae
• transverse & articular processes of lower & middle cervical vertebrae

Insertion

mastoid process

Action

• keeps head erect
• draws head backward or to one side

Innervation

dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves

More general terms

• erector spinae (musculus sacrospinalis)