The Intrinsic Back Muscles

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Original Author(s): Oliver Jones

The muscles of the back can be divided into three groups – superficial, intermediate and intrinsic:

Superficial – associated with movements of the shoulder.

Intermediate – associated with movements of the thoracic cage.

Deep – associated with movements of the vertebral column.

The deep muscles develop embryologically in the back, and are thus described as intrinsic muscles. The superficial and intermediate muscles do not
develop in the back, and are classified as extrinsic muscles.

This article is about the anatomy of the deep (intrinsic) back muscles – their attachments, innervations and functions.

The deep muscles of the back are well-developed, and collectively extend from the sacrum to the base of the skull. They are associated with the
movements of the vertebral column, and the control of posture.

The muscles themselves are covered by deep fascia, which plays a key role in their organisation.

Anatomically, the deep back muscles can be divided into three layers; superficial, intermediate and deep. We shall now look at each layer in more detail.

Superficial
The superficial muscles are also known as the spinotransversales. There are two muscles in this group – splenius capitis and splenius cervicis. They are
both associated with movements of the head and neck.

They are located on the posterolateral aspect of the neck, covering the deeper neck muscles.

Splenius Capitis

Attachments: Originates from the lower aspect of the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of C7 – T3/4 vertebrae. The fibres attach to the
mastoid process and the occipital bone of the skull.

Innervation: Posterior rami of spinal nerves C3 and C4.

Actions: Rotate head to the same side.

Splenius Cervicis

Attachments: Originates from the spinous processes of T3 – T6 vertebrae. The fibres attach to the transverse processes of C1-3/4.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the lower cervical spinal nerves.

Actions: Rotate head to the same side.

Note: The two splenius muscles can also act together to extend the head and neck.

© By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)

Fig 1 – The splenius muscles, located with the superficial layer of intrinsic back muscles.
Intermediate
There are three intermediate intrinsic back muscles – the iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis. Together these muscles form a column, known as the
erector spinae.

The erector spinae is situated posterolaterally to spinal column, between the vertebral spinous processes and the costal angle of the ribs.

All three muscles can be subdivided by their superior attachments (into lumborum, thoracic, cervicis and capitis). They also all have a common
tendinous origin, which arises from:

Lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae

Sacrum.

Posterior aspect of iliac crest.

Sacroiliac and supraspinous ligaments.

Iliocostalis

The iliocostalis muscle is located laterally within the erector spinae. It is associated with the ribs, and can be divided into three parts – lumborum,
thoracis, and cervicis.

Attachments: Arises from the common tendinous origin, and attaches to the costal angle of the ribs and the cervical transverse processes.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves.

Actions: Acts unilaterally to laterally flex the vertebral column. Acts bilaterally to extend the vertebral column and head.

Longissimus

The longissimus muscle is situated between the iliocostalis and spinalis. It is the largest of the three columns. It can be divided into three parts –
thoracic, cervicis and capitis.

Attachments: Arises from the common tendinous origin, and attaches to the lower ribs, the transverse processes of C2 – T12, and the mastoid process
of the skull.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves.

Actions: Acts unilaterally to laterally flex the vertebral column. Acts bilaterally to extend the vertebral column and head.

Spinalis

The spinalis muscle is located medially within the erector spinae. It is the smallest of the three muscle columns. It can be divided into the thoracic,
cervicis and capitis (although the cervicis part is absent in some individuals).

Attachments: Arises from the common tendinous origin, and attaches to the spinous processes of C2, T1-T8 and the occipital bone of the skull.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves.

Actions: Acts unilaterally to laterally flex the vertebral column. Acts bilaterally to extend the vertebral column and head.

© By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)

Fig 2 – The erector spinae.

There are three major muscles in this group – the semispinalis, multifidus and rotatores.

Semispinalis

The semispinalis is the most superficial of the deep intrinsic muscles. Much like the intermediate muscles, it can be divided by its superior attachments
into thoracic, cervicis and capitis.

Attachments: Originates from the transverse processes of C4-T10. The fibres ascend 4-6 vertebral segments, attaching to the spinous processes of
C2-T4, and to the occipital bone of the skull.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves.

Actions: Extends and contralaterally rotates the head and vertebral column.

Multifidus

The multifidus is located underneath the semispinalis muscle. It is most developed in the lumbar area.

Attachments: Has a broad origin – arises from the sacrum, posterior iliac spine, common tendinous origin of the erector spinae, mamillary processes
of lumbar vertebrae, transverse processes of T1-T3 and articular processes of C4-C7. The fibres ascend 2-4 vertebral segments, attaching to the
vertebral spinous processes.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves.

Actions: Stabilises the vertebral column.

Rotatores

The rotatores are the deepest muscles of the transversospinales group. They are most prominent in the thoracic region.

Attachments: Originates from the vertebral transverse processes. The fibres ascend and attach to the lamina and spinous processes of the vertebrae
above.

Actions: Contributes to extension and rotation of the vertebral column. Also stabilises the vertebrae and had a proprioceptive function.

Innervation: Posterior rami of the spinal nerves

Minor Deep Intrinsic Muscles:

Interspinales – Spans between adjacent spinous processes. Acts to stabilise the vertebral column.

Intertranversarii – Spans between adjacent transverse processes. Acts to stabilise the vertebral column.

Levatores costarum – Originates from the transverse processes of C7-T11, and attaches to the rib immediately below. Acts to elevate the ribs.

© By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2023)

Fig 3 – The semispinalis and multfidus muscles.