Transversospinales

Transversospinales

The transversospinales are a group of muscles located in the back that are part of the deep muscles of the back. These muscles are responsible for stabilization and movement of the vertebral column. They are situated deep to the erector spinae muscles and are involved in extension, rotation, and lateral flexion of the spine.

Diagram of the transversospinales muscles.

Anatomy

The transversospinales group consists of three major muscle groups:

Semispinalis

The semispinalis is the most superficial of the transversospinales muscles. It is divided into three parts:

• Semispinalis capitis: This part extends from the transverse processes of the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebrae to the occipital bone. It is responsible for extending the head and neck.
• Semispinalis cervicis: This part extends from the transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae to the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae.
• Semispinalis thoracis: This part extends from the transverse processes of the lower thoracic vertebrae to the spinous processes of the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebrae.

Multifidus

The multifidus is located beneath the semispinalis and is most developed in the lumbar region. It spans from the sacrum to the axis, attaching to the spinous processes of the vertebrae. The multifidus is important for stabilizing the vertebrae during movement.

Rotatores

The rotatores are the deepest of the transversospinales muscles. They are small muscles that connect the transverse processes to the spinous processes of the vertebrae above. They are most prominent in the thoracic region and assist in rotation and proprioception of the spine.

Function

The primary functions of the transversospinales muscles include:

• Extension of the vertebral column.
• Rotation of the vertebral column.
• Lateral flexion of the vertebral column.
• Stabilization of the vertebral column during movement.

Clinical significance

Injury or dysfunction of the transversospinales muscles can lead to back pain and spinal instability. These muscles are often targeted in physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises to improve posture and spinal health.

Related pages

• Erector spinae
• Vertebral column
• Back pain
• Muscle