Axial Muscles- Muscles of the Vertebral Column Flashcards
1
Q
What are the muscles of the vertebral column?
A
- These muscles are very complex
- Have multiple attachments and exhibit extensive overlap
- All of these muscles are covered by the most superficial back muscles
- The neck is actually the cervical portion of the vertebral column
2
Q
What are erector spinae muscles?
A
- Maintain posture and help an individual stand erect
- When the left and right erector spinae muscles contract together, they extend the vertebral column
- If the erector spinae muscles on only one side contract, the vertebral column laterally flexes toward the same side as the muscle contraction
- Organized into 3 groups
- All the muscles share a common tendinous connection from the posterior part of the iliac crest, posterior sacrum and spinous processes of the lumbar vertebrae
3
Q
What is the iliocostalis group?
A
- The most laterally placed of the 3 erector spinae components
- Composed of cervical, thoracic and lumbar
- Attach to either the angles of the ribs or the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae
4
Q
What is the longissimus group?
A
- Is medial to the iliocostalis group
- Attaches to the transverse processes of the vertebrae
- Composed of the capitis, cervical and thoracic
5
Q
What is the spinalis group?
A
- The most medially placed of the erector spinae muscles
- Attach to the spinous processes of the vertebrae
- Composed of cervical and thoracic parts
6
Q
What is the transversospinalis?
A
- Group of muscles deep to the erector spinae
- Connect and stabilize the vertebrae
- Interspinales and intertransversarii assist these muscles with moving the vertebral column
7
Q
What are the quadratus lumborum?
A
- Final pair of muscles that help move the vertebral column
- Located primarily in the lumbar region
- When the left and right muscles bilaterally contract, they extend the vertebral column
- When either left or right quadrants contract unilaterally, it laterally flexes the vertebral column
