Longus colli is divided into three parts, inferior oblique, superior oblique and vertical intermediate parts.  They pass along the anterior surface of the bodies of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae.

The inferior oblique part of longus colli arises from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of T1 to T3, and extends to the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C5 and C6.

The superior oblique part of longus colli arises from the anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C3, C4 and C5, to attach by a narrow tendon to the anterior tubercle of C1.

The vertical intermediate part of longus colli extends from the anterior surfaces of the bodies of C5 to T3, to the anterior surfaces of the bodies of C2, C3 and C4.