Musculus longissimus atlantis
Extension of the longissimus system to the atlas, working with the longissimus capitis to extend and laterally flex the upper cervical spine.
Origin: Articular processes of C3-C5
Insertion: Wing of the atlas
Action: Extends the upper cervical spine; lateral flexion of C1-C2
Innervation: Dorsal branches of upper cervical spinal nerves
Spasm in the muscles attaching to the atlas creates C1 restriction, a common finding in equine chiropractic practice.
Spasm in the muscles attaching to the atlas creates C1 restriction, a common finding in equine chiropractic practice. Signs include: Resistance to poll flexion; head tilting; difficulty bending through the poll; improved with atlas-specific manipulation.
See the Longissimus Atlantis on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model