The erector spinae are deep muscle(s) located along the spine.
This is really a group of different muscles, each having its
own point of origin, point of insertation, and action - depending on
its vertical position along the spine. More information about these is
tabulated below:
Approx. position along the spine: |
Name of muscle: |
Action/s of muscles/s: |
|
Neck area |
Splenius: capitis |
Extend and rotate the head. |
Low shoulder height to neck area |
Splenius: cervicis |
Neck area |
Longissimus: capitis |
Extend and side-bend the spine and
rotate the head. |
Shoulder area to neck area |
Longissimus: cervicis |
Lumbar to chest area |
Longissimus: thoracis |
Shoulder height to neck area |
Iliocostalis: cervicis |
Extend and side-bend the spine. |
Chest to abdomen |
Iliocostalis: thoracic |
Lumbar (lower) back to the lowest 6 ribs |
Iliocostalis: lumbar |
For
an illustration of the general location of the erector spinae muscles,
see the page about Posterior
Muscles.
|
