MUSCLES OF THE BACK

Dept of Anatomy
MUSCLE GROUPS
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
SUPERFICIAL EXTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
SUPERFICIAL EXTRINSIC GROUP
Connect the upper limbs
to the trunk and control
limb movements

Trapezius
Latissimus dorsi
Levator scapulae
Rhomboids

Innervated by the ventral

rami of cervical nerves
<exception: trapezius>
TRAPEZIUS
Large, triangular muscle
Trapezium irregular,
four-sided figure
Posterior aspect of the
neck and superior half of
the trunk
Act on the scapula
LATISSIMUS DORSI
Large, fan-shaped
muscle
Latin, widest of the
back
Powerful adductor of
the humerus
LEVATOR SCAPULAE
Strap-like muscle
Pass inferiorly from the
upper cervical vertebrae
to the superomedial
border of the scapula
Elevates and rotates the
scapula
RHOMBOIDS
Lie deep to the trapezius
Form broad parallel bands

Passes inferolaterally
from the vertebrae to the
scapula
Retract and rotate the
scapula
RHOMBOIDS

RHOMBOID MAJOR RHOMBOID MINOR

Deep to the trapezius Deep to the trapezius

Inferior Superior
Thin , flat and wide Thick
INTERMEDIATE EXTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
INTERMEDIATE EXTRINSIC GROUP
Serratus posterior
muscles
Superficial respiratory
muscles
Extends from the
vertebrae to the ribs
 SERRATUS POSTERIOR
SERRATUS POSTERIOR SERRATUS POSTERIOR
SUPERIOR INFERIOR

Neck and back Thoracic and lumbar regions

Deep to the rhomboids Deep to the latissimus dorsi
Fibers run inferolaterally Fibers run superolaterally
Elevates the 4 superior ribs Depresses the inferior ribs
First 4 intercostal nerves Last 4 intercostal nerves
NAME THE THREE MUSCLE
GROUPS OF THE BACK
 Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
NAME THE FOUR MUSCLES OF
THE SUPERFICIAL EXTRINSIC
GROUP
Muscles of
the
Superficial
Intrinsic
Group

Trapezius

Latissimus
dorsi

Levator
scapulae

Rhomboids
Muscles of
the
Superficial
Intrinsic
Group

Trapezius

Latissimus
dorsi

Levator
scapulae

Rhomboids
Muscles of
the
Superficial
Intrinsic
Group

Trapezius

Latissimus
dorsi

Levator
scapulae

Rhomboids
Muscles of
the
Superficial
Intrinsic
Group

Trapezius

Latissimus
dorsi

Levator
scapulae

Rhomboids
Muscles of
the
Superficial
Intrinsic
Group

Trapezius

Latissimus
dorsi

Levator
scapulae

Rhomboids
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Act to maintain posture and control movements of
the vertebral column
Innervated by the dorsal rami of spinal nerves
FASCIA OF THE INTRINSIC GROUP
Attaches medially to
Nuchal ligament
Tips of the spinous processes
Supraspinous ligament
Median crest of the sacrum
Attaches laterally to

Cervical and lumbar transverse processes

Angles of the ribs
Thoracolumbar fascia
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
SPLENIUS
Thick and flat
Lie on the lateral and
posterior aspects of the
neck
Splenion Like a bandage
SPLENIUS
Arise from the midline
Extend superolaterally to

Cervical vertebrae
(splenius cervicis)
Skull (splenius capitis)
Laterally bends and
rotates
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
ERECTOR SPINAE
Chief extensor of the
vertebral column
Lies in a groove on each
side of the vertebral
column
Back bulge

Divided into three

columns:
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
ERECTOR SPINAE
Each column divided into
parts
Common origin: broad
tendon
Extends and laterally
bends
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
TRANSVERSOSPINAL
From the transverse
processes of vertebrae to
the spinous process of
more superior vertebrae
Occupy the gutter
between the transverse
and spinous processes
Semispinalis
Multifidus
Rotatores
SEMISPINALIS
Most superficial
Arises from
approximately half of the
spine
Spans 4 to 6 segments

Extends and rotates head

contralaterally
SEMISPINALIS
Divided into parts
according to superior
attachments
Semispinalis capitis
Semispinalis cervicis
Semispinalis thoracis
Neck bulge
MULTIFIDUS
Short, triangular
Thickest in the lumbar
region
Passes obliquely
<superiorly and medially>
Attaches to the spinous
process of the adjacent
superior vertebrae
Spans 2-4 segments

Stabilizes the vertebral

column
ROTATORES
Best developed in the
thoracic region
Deepest of the three layers

From the transverse

process of one vertebrae
To the root of the spinous
processes of the next one
or two vertebrae
superiorly
Spans 1-2 segments

Stabilizes
DEEP OR INTRINSIC GROUP
Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
MINOR DEEP LAYER
Interspinales
Intertransversarii

Levatores costarum
MUSCLES OF THE BACK
Lateral steadiers
Concept of kinesiological monitors
NAME THE FOUR LAYERS OF
INTRINSIC BACK MUSCLES
 Muscles of
the Back

Superficial Intermediate Deep or

Extrinsic Extrinsic Intrinsic

Serratus Superficial Intermediate

Trapezius Deep Minor Deep
posterior Intrisic Intrinsic

Latissimus Erector Transverso-

Splenius Interspinal
dorsi spinae spinal

Levator Inter-
Iliocostalis Semispinalis
scapulae transverse

Levatores
Rhomboids Longissimus Multifidus
costarum

Spinalis Rotatores
NAME THE THREE COLUMNS OF
THE ERECTOR SPINAE
The three
columns of
the erector
spinae are:

Iliocostalis

Longissimus

Spinalis
The three
columns of
the erector
spinae are:

Iliocostalis

Longissimus

Spinalis
The three
columns of
the erector
spinae are:

Iliocostalis

Longissimus

Spinalis
The three
columns of
the erector
spinae are:

Iliocostalis

Longissimus

Spinalis
NAME THE THREE MUSCLES IN
THE DEEP INTRINSIC LAYER
The three
muscles in the
deep intrinsic
layer are:

Semispinalis

Multifidus

Rotatores
NAME THE MUSCLES IN THE
MINOR DEEP LAYER
The muscles of
the minor deep
layer are:

Interspinal

Intertransverse

Levator
costarum
The muscles of
the minor deep
layer are:

Interspinal

Intertransverse

Levator
costarum
The muscles of
the minor deep
layer are:

Interspinal

Intertransverse

Levator
costarum
The muscles of
the minor deep
layer are:

Interspinal

Intertransverse

Levator
costarum
MUSCLES OF THE
SUBOCCIPITAL REGION
Leah Adrid-Palapar, MD
SUBOCCIPITAL REGION
Upper back of the neck
Triangular area inferior to
the occipital region,
including the posterior
aspects of C1 and C2
vertebrae
MUSCLES OF THE SUBOCCIPITAL REGION
Two rectus capitis
posterior
Two obliquus
MUSCLES OF THE SUBOCCIPITAL REGION
Innervated by the dorsal
ramus of C1
<suboccipital nerve>
Mainly postural

Act by extending the head

on C1 or by rotating it at
C1 and C2
Kinesiological monitors
RECTUS CAPITIS POSTERIOR MAJOR
Arises from the spinous
process of C2
Inserts unto the lateral
part of the inferior nuchal
line and occipital bone
Extension of the atlanto-
occipital joint
Ipsilateral rotation of the
atlanto-axial joint
RECTUS CAPITIS POSTERIOR MINOR
Arises from the posterior
tubercle of the posterior
arch of C1
Inserts into the medial
part of the inferior nuchal
line
Extension of the atlanto-
occipital joint
Ipsilateral rotation of the
atlanto-axial joint
OBLIQUUS CAPITIS INFERIOR
Inferior oblique of the
head
Arises from the spinous
process of C2
Inserts into the transverse
process of C1
The only capitis muscle
that has no attachment to
the head
Ipsilateral rotation of the
atlanto-axial joint
OBLIQUUS CAPITIS SUPERIOR
Superior oblique of the
head
Arises from the transverse
process of C1
Inserts to the occipital
bone between the superior
and inferior nuchal lines
Extension and lateral bending
of the atlanto-occipital joint
SUBOCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
Lies deep to the trapezius
and semispinalis capitis
muscles

Rectus capitis posterior

major
Superior oblique

Inferior oblique

Posterior atlanto-occipital
membrane and posterior
arch of C1
SUBOCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
Lies deep to the trapezius
and semispinalis capitis
muscles

Rectus capitis posterior

major
Superior oblique

Inferior oblique

Posterior atlanto-occipital
membrane and posterior
arch of C1
NAME THE BOUNDARIES OF THE
SUBOCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
Rectus capitis
posterior
major

Superior
oblique

Inferior
oblique

Posterior
atlanto-
occipital
membrane
and posterior
arch of C1

Semispinalis
capitis
CONTENTS OF THE SUBOCCIPITAL TRIANGLE
Vertebral artery
Suboccipital nerve (dorsal
ramus of C1)
DID YOU KNOW THAT..
God spoke the world into creation..
BUT WHEN IT CAME TO MAN HE CREATED
HIM?
So God created man in His own image, in the
image of God He created him; male and female He
created them Ge 1:27
THANK YOU!