Spine: Action

Question 1

Erector spinae group (Spinalis, Longissimus, Iliocostalis)

Answer 1

Action: (Unilaterally) Laterally flex vertebral column to the same side
(Bilaterally) Extend the vertebral column

Question 2

Splenius capitis

Answer 2

Action: (Unilaterally) Rotate the head and neck to the same side
Laterally flex the head and neck to the same side
(Bilaterally) Extend the head and neck

Question 3

Quadratus lumborum

Answer 3

Action: (Unilaterally) Laterally tilt the pelvis
Laterally flex the vertebral column to the same side
Assist to extend the vertebral column
(Bilaterally)
Fix the last rib during forced inhalation and exhalation

Question 4

Sternocleidomastoid

Answer 4

Action: (Unilaterally) Laterally flex the head and neck to the same side
Rotate the head and neck to the opposite side
(Bilaterally) Flex the neck
Assist to elevate the rib cage during inhalation

Question 5

Anterior scalene

Answer 5

Action: (Unilaterally) With the ribs fixed, laterally flex the head and neck to the same side
Rotate the head and neck to the opposite side
(Bilaterally) Elevate the ribs during inhalation
Flex the head and neck

Question 6

Middle scalene

Answer 6

Action: (Unilaterally) With the ribs fixed, laterally flex the head and neck to the same side
Rotate the head and neck to the opposite side
(Bilaterally) Elevate during inhalation

Question 7

Posterior scalene

Answer 7

Action: (Unilaterally) With the ribs fixed, laterally flex the head and neck to the same side
Rotate the head and neck to the opposite side
(Bilaterally) Elevate during inhalation

Question 8

Rectus abdominis

Answer 8

Action: Flex the vertebral column
Tilt pelvis posteriorly

Question 9

External oblique

Answer 9

Action: (Unilaterally) Laterally flex vertebral column to the same side
Rotate vertebral column to the opposite side
(Bilaterally) Flex the vertebral column
Compress abdominal contents

Question 10

Internal oblique

Answer 10

Action: (Unilaterally) Laterally flex vertebral column to the same side
Rotate vertebral column to the same side
(Bilaterally) Flex the vertebral column
Compress the abdominal contents

Question 11

Transverse abdominis

Answer 11

Action: Compress abdominal contents

Question 12

Diaphragm

Answer 12

Action: Draw down the central tendon of the diaphragm
Increase the volume of the thoracic cavity during inhalation

Question 13

Intercostals (External and internal)

Answer 13

Action: (External) Draw the ribs superiorly (increasing the space of the thoracic cavity) to assist with inhalation
(Internal) Draw the ribs inferiorly (decreasing the space of the thoracic cavity) to assist with exhalation