DEEP MUSCLES OF THE

BACK
BY SUMAYA AKTER(2302889) AND
TAMMINENI UMA MAHESWARI(2301725)
 The back comprises numerous muscles that work
WHAT ARE THE together to facilitate movement and maintain posture.
DEEP BACK The deep muscles of the back are a group of muscles

MUSCLES? that act to maintain posture and produce movements

of the vertebral column.

SPLENIUS MUSCLE SEMISPINALIS The Deep Muscles of the Back also has 4 layers:
ERECTOR SPINAE ROTATORES 1. Superficial layer: Splenius muscle
2. Intermediate layer: Erector spinae (iliocostalis,
longissimus, spinalis)
3. Deep layer: Transversospinales(Semispinalis, Multifidus
SEGMENTAL
MULTIFIDUS MUSCLES
and Rotatores)
4. Deepest layer: Segmental Muscles
 1ST (SUPERFICIAL) LAYER OF DEEP BACK
MUSCLES:

SPLENIUS MUSCLE:
the splenius muscles (spinotransversales muscles)
is composed of the splenius capitis and splenius
cervicis.
located on the posterolateral aspect of the neck
and the posterior upper thorax, overlying the deep
muscles of the neck.
originate from the spinous processes of cervical
and thoracic vertebrae:
 INTERMEDIATE LAYER OF DEEP BACK
MUSCLES(ERECTOR SPINAE):
ILIOCOSTALIS MUSCLES:
The iliocostalis is the most lateral muscle of the erector spinae
group and has 3 branches

Iliocostalis Origin: Angle of ribs 3-6

cervicis Inserition: Transverse processes of vertebrae C4-C6

Origin: Angle of ribs 7-12

Iliocostalis
Insertion: Angles of ribs 1-6, Transverse process of
thoracis
vertebra C7

Origin: Lateral crest of sacrum, Medial end of iliac crest,

Iliocostalis Thoracolumbar fascia
lumborum Insertion: Angle of ribs 5-12, Transverse processes of
vertebrae L1-L4
LONGISSIMUS MUSCLES:
The longissimus muscle lies between the iliocostalis and spinalis
It originates from the sacrum and lumbar vertebrae, extending
to the skull.
Longissimus Origin: Transverse processes of vertebrae C4-T5
capitis Inserition: Mastoid process of temporal bone

Longissimus Origin: Transverse processes of vertebrae T1-T5

cervicis Insertion: Transverse processes of vertebrae C2-C6

Origin: Spinous and transverse processes of vertebrae

L1-L5, median sacral crest, posterior surface of sacrum
Longissimus
and posterior iliac crest
thoracis
Insertion: Transverse process of vertebrae T1-T12,
Angles of ribs 7-12
SPINALIS MUSCLES:
The spinalis is the most medial of the erector spinae group
It primarily attaches to the spinous processes of the thoracic
and cervical vertebrae and has 3 branches.

Spinalis Origin: Spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T1

capitis Inserition: Occipital bone (midline)

Spinalis Origin: Spinous processes of vertebrae C7-T1

cervicis Insertion: Spinous process of vertebrae C2-C4

Spinalis Origin: Spinous process of vertebrae T11-L2

thoracis Insertion: Spinous process of vertebrae T2-T8
 DEEP LAYER OF DEEP BACK MUSCLES:
TRANSVERSOSPINALIS GROUP

This group consists of three located deeper than the erector

spinae:
1. Semispinalis:
Extends and rotates the spine; it covers the upper back.
2. Multifidus:
Provides stability to the spine; spans from the sacrum to the cervical
vertebrae.
3. Rotatores:
These small muscles assist in rotation and are important for stabilizing the
spine.
SEMISPINALIS MUSCLES:
Semispinalis the most superficial muscle in this group is the
Spanning the thoracic and cervical regions of the vertebral
column, with an attachment on the occipital bone of the skull.

Origin: Articular processes of vertebrae C4-C7,

Semispinalis
transverse processes of vertebrae T1-T6
capitis
Insertion: Between nuchal lines of occipital bone

Semispinalis Origin: Transverse processes of vertebrae T1-T6

cervicis Insertion: Spinous processes of vertebrae C2-C5

Semispinalis Origin: Transverse processes of vertebrae T6-T10

thoracis Insertion: Spinous processes of vertebrae C6-T4
MULTIFIDUS MUSCLES:
The multifidus belongs to the intermediate layer of the MULTIFIDUS
CERVICIS
transversospinalis muscle group.
This muscle is composed of many short, triangular muscles that
all insert on the spinous processes of vertebrae 2-5 levels
above origin.
Multifidus Origin: arises from the superior articular processes of MULTIFIDUS MULTIFIDUS
cervicis vertebrae C4-C7. LUMBORUM THORACIS

Multifidus
Origin: from the transverse process of thoracic vertebra.
thoracis

Multifidus
Origin: from the mammillary processes of lumbar vertebrae
lumborum
 ROTATORES MUSCLES:
Deep to the multifidus are the rotatores muscles, which are the
deepest of this muscle group.
the rotatores are also present along the entire length of the
vertebral column, but are more prominent in the thoracic region.

Origin: Transverse processes of vertebrae T2-T12

Rotatores
Inserition: Laminae/Spinous process of vertebra (1 level
breves
above origin)

Origin: Transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae

Rotatores
Insertion: Laminae/Spinous process of vertebra (2 levels
longus
above origin)
 DEEPEST LAYER OF DEEP BACK MUSCLES:
SEGMENTAL MUSCLES

LEVATORES COSTARUM MUSCLES:

The levatores costarum muscles are located in the thoracic region of
the vertebral column.
They originate from the transverse processes of C7-T11 vertebrae
insertion between the tubercle and the angle of the corresponding rib
below.
 INTERTRANSVERSARII MUSCLES:
INTERTRANSVERSARII
The interspinales muscles are short, paired muscles that connect COLLI
adjacent spinous processes of the vertebral column.
These muscles are divided into three parts; interspinales cervicis,
thoracis and lumborum.

Origin: Transverse processes of cervical vertebrae.

Intertransversarii Insertion: Transverse processes of adjacent cervical
colli vertebrae.

INTERTRANSVERSARII
LUMBORUM
Origin: Transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae.
Intertransversarii Insertion: Transverse processes of adjacent lumbar
lumborum vertebrae.
 INTERSPINALES MUSCLES:
The intertransversarii muscles are small muscles that pass between INTERSPINALES
CERVICIS
the transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae

Origin: Spinous processes of vertebrae C3-T1

Interspinales
Inserition: Inferior aspect of spinous processes of
cervicis
vertebrae C2-C7

Origin: Superior aspect of spinous process of vertebrae

INTERSPINALES
Interspinales T2, T11 & T12 (variable) THORACIS INTERSPINALES
thoracis Insertion: Inferior aspect of spinous processes of LUMBORUM
vertebrae T1, T10 & T11

Origin: Spinous processes of vertebrae L2-L5

Interspinales
Insertion: Inferior aspects of spinous processes of
lumborum
vertebrae L1-L4
 FUNCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF
DEEP BACK MUSCLES

POSTURAL SUPPORT: SPINAL MOVEMENT: SPINAL STABILIZATION: LOAD DISTRIBUTION:

Maintain an upright Allow flexion, Stabilize individual Help distribute loads
posture of the extension, lateral vertebrae during across the vertebral
vertebral column and flexion, and rotation movement to prevent column, protecting
resisting the pull of of the spine. risk of injury. intervertebral discs
gravity. Facilitate fine-tuned Support the spinal cord and ligaments from
Provide a strong and controlled and associated nerves. excessive strain.
foundation for upper movements of the
body movements. vertebral column.
 COMMON ISSUES AND CONDITIONS

Weakness or dysfunction in deep back muscles can lead to:

Chronic back pain.
Poor posture.
Increased risk of spinal injuries.

Strengthening and Flexibility Tips:

Perform exercises like planks, bridges, and superman
holds to strengthen these muscles.
Incorporate flexibility routines, such as yoga or
stretching, to maintain mobility.
 CLINICAL CASE:
CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN
The MULTIFIDUS muscle is a deep back muscle that plays an important role in
stabilizing your core and protecting your spine during movement. Unfortunately,
this muscle is prone to inhibition, where it shuts down and ultimately becomes
weak. This inhibition and weakness of the multifidus muscle often goes undetected
or untreated, leading to CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN
CAUSES: Muscle Strain or Sprain, Herniated Disc, Spinal Stenosis, Poor
Posture, Arthritis etc
SYMPTOMS: Localized Pain in the Lower Back, Pain That Worsens With Simple
Movements etc
TREATMENT: Physical Therapy Exercises, Medications, Surgery in severe cases,
Diagnostic Imaging Tests.
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the deep muscles of the back play a crucial role in maintaining
posture, stabilizing the spine, and enabling movement. These muscles,
including the erector spinae, transversospinalis, and segmental muscles, are
essential for supporting the vertebral column and facilitating complex
motions. Understanding their anatomy is fundamental for diagnosing and
treating spinal disorders and injuries.
 THANK YOU
FOR READING THIS PRESENTATION
 REFERENCES

1. Deep back muscles - Kenhub

https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/intrinsic-
back-muscles
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https://mainstaymedical.com/multifidus-muscle-pain/
3. The Intrinsic Back Muscles - TeachMeAnatomy
https://teachmeanatomy.info/back/muscles/intrinsic/
4. Deep Back Muscles - GeekyMedic
https://geekymedics.com/deep-back-muscles/