longissimus capitis muscle

lon·gis·si·mus ca·pi·tis mus·cle

(lon-jis'i-mŭs kap'i-tis mŭs'ĕl) Origin, from transverse processes of upper thoracic and transverse and articular processes of lower and middle cervical vertebrae; insertion, into mastoid process; action, keeps head erect, draws it backward or to one side; nerve supply, dorsal primary rami of cervical spinal nerves.
Synonym(s): musculus longissimus capitis [TA] .