Download Neck and back muscles

Neck and back muscles

Erector Spinae / Multifidus / Rectus Abdominus / Transversus Abdominus / Internal Obliques
/ External Obliques / Splenius / Quadratus Lumborum
Erector Spinae
The erector spinae (sometimes known as sacrospinalis) is often described as a group of different
muscles called iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis.
Origin

Posterior crest of the ilium

Lower posterior surface of the sacrum

Lower 7 ribs

Spinous processes of T9-L5

Transverse processes of T1-12
Insertion

Angles of the ribs

Transverse processes of all vertebrae

Base of the skull
Actions

Extension of the spine

Lateral flexion (side-bending) of the spine

Maintains correct curvature of the spine
Innervation

Dorsal rami of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves
Daily uses

Maintaining good posture
Multifidus
Multifidus is a series of small muscles which travel up the length of the spine. It is an important
muscle in the rehabilitation of Gilmore's Groin.
Origin

Posterior surface of the sacrum

Articular processes of the lumbar vertebrae

Transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae

Articular processes of C3-7
Insertion

Each part of the muscle inserts into the spinous process 2-4 vertebrae higher than its origin
Actions

Extension, lateral flexion and rotation of the spine
Innervation

Dorsal rami of the spinal nerves
Daily uses

Maintaining good posture of the spine
Rectus Abdominus
Rectus Abdominus is the most superficial of the abdominal muscles. It is this muscle which forms the
six-pack shape!
Origin

Crest of the pubis

Pubic symphesis
Insertion

Xiphoid process (base of the sternum)

5th,6th and 7th costal cartilages
Actions

Flexes lumbar spine
Innervation

Ventral rami of thoracic nerves
Daily uses

Moving from lying to sitting
Transversus Abdominus Muscle
Transversus Abdominus is often abbreviated to TVA. This is a very important core muscle which is
vital in maintaining good posture. Activities such as Pilates focus on contraction of the TVA.
Origin

Front of the iliac crest

Inguinal ligament

Costal cartilages of the lower 6 ribs

Thoracolumbar fascia
Insertion

Linea alba
Actions

Compresses the abdomen and supports the abdominal visera
Innervation

Ventral rami of thoracic nerves

Ilioinguinal nerve

Iliohypgastric nerve
Daily uses

Maintaining good posture
Internal Obliques
Origin

Iliac crest

Inguinal ligament

Thoracolumbar fascia
Insertion

Lower 3-4 ribs

Linea alba
Actions

Contraction of one side alone laterally bends the trunk to that side

and rotates the trunk to the other side

Compresses the abdomen and supports the abdominal viscera
Innervation

Ventral rami of thoracic nerves

Ilioinguinal nerve

Iliohypgastric nerve
Daily uses

Raking leaves
External Obliques
Origin

Lowest 8 ribs
Insertion

Front 1/2 of the iliac crest

Linea alba
Actions

Contraction of one side alone laterally bends the trunk to that side

and rotates the trunk to the other side

Compresses the abdomen and supports the abdominal viscera
Innervation

Ventral rami of thoracic nerves
Daily uses

Raking leaves
Quadratus Lumborum
The quadratus lumborum muscle is a common muscle involved in lower back pain.
Origin

Posterior iliac crest

Iliolumbar ligament
Insertion

Twelfth rib

Transerve processes of L1-L4
Actions

Laterally flexes (side-bends) trunk
Innervation

Ventral rami of the subcostal nerve

Lumbar nerves
Daily uses

Bending sideways to pick something up