Function and Anatomy of Erector Spinae Muscles

The presence of a large number of Type 1 muscle fibers (slow twitch or red muscle fibers that are
rich in myoglobulin and carry more oxygen) in the erector spinae muscle group makes it resistant to
fatigue.
A vital part of the human anatomy, muscles are soft tissues that facilitate locomotion. They allow us
to change or maintain posture. The ability of the human spine to bend forward or backward, rotate,
or twist, is attributed to several layers of muscles that support the back.
Erector spinae muscles, also referred to as the sacrospinal muscle group, is one such muscle group
that primarily acts as an extensor. It consists of three muscles that help in extending the vertebral
column. This muscle group runs from the base of the skull to the sacrum. Basically, it consists of
three columns of muscles that are present on either side of the vertebral column. These are known
as Iliocostalis, Longissimus, and Spinalis. Spinalis muscle lies closest to the vertebral column. It
begins as a thick tendon from the sacrum and travels up. The longest of these three muscles,
longissimus inserts at the mastoid process, which is the temporal process that is located behind the
ear, at the base of the skull. Iliocostalis lies furthest from the vertebral column, and extends from the
base of the skull to the pelvis.
Location of Erector Spinae Muscles
The erector spinae is one of the three true or intrinsic back muscles. It is this muscle group that
allows the spine to return to erect position after bending. We bend backwards when these muscles
contract, and when only the muscles on one side of the vertebral column contract, we are able to
bend sideways. So, these muscles allow us to bend sideways, and facilitate the rotation of the spine
and movement of the head. These help in maintaining the alignment of the spine.
Anatomy and Function of Erector Spinae Muscles
Iliocostalis Muscles
Iliocostalis Cervicis
Arising from the angles of the third, fourth, fifth, and the sixth pair of ribs, Iliocostalis cervicis
muscle inserts at the transverse process of the cervical vertebrae C4 to C6. This muscle helps in
extending and hyperextending the cervical vertebrae. It also facilitates the lateral flexion of the
cervical vertebrae.
Iliocostalis Thoracis
Arising from the upper borders of the angles of the inferior six ribs (seventh to the twelfth pair of
ribs), Iliocostalis thoracis muscle inserts into the upper borders of the angles of first to the sixth pair
of ribs, and into the posterior transverse process of the C7, which is the seventh cervical vertebra. It
helps in maintaining the erect posture of the spine
Iliocostalis lumborum
The insertion point of the iliocostalis lumborum are the inferior borders of the angles of the last pair

of the true ribs (seventh rib), and the false and floating ribs, which means eighth to twelfth pair of
ribs. It also inserts in the transverse processes of the first five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). This muscle
plays a vital role in the extension of the vertebral column. When we bend forward, it provides
resistance, and also helps in providing the force that is needed for bringing the body back to its
normal, erect position. When we bend completely to touch our toes, these muscles are relaxed, while
the load is on the ligaments, and on returning to the normal position, these muscles pass on the load
to the hamstrings and the gluteus maximus, which is the outermost of the three gluteal muscles.
Longissimus Muscles
Longissimus Cervicis
Arising from the transverse processes of the upper five thoracic vertebrae (T1 to T5), this muscle
inserts in the transverse processes of the second to sixth cervical vertebrae. It helps in extending the
cervical region of the vertebral column and maintaining the erect posture. It is also lends stability to
the spinal column during flexion. When only the muscle on one of the sides is working, it helps in
bending and rotating to that particular side.
Longissimus Thoracis
It arises from the sacrum and medial iliac crest through the iliocostalis lumborum tendon and
lumbosacral aponeurosis, and the transverse and spinous processes of vertebrae of the lumbar
region. It inserts in the transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae. It helps in extending the
thoracic region or the lower vertebral column.
Longissimus Capitis
It arises from the transverse and the articular processes of the middle and lower cervical vertebrae
(C4 or C5-C7), and the transverse processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T5). It inserts into
the posterior aspect of the mastoid process of the temporal bone. It helps extend the head and rotate
it to the opposite side.
Spinalis Muscles
The function of the spinalis muscle is to extend the vertebral column, and laterally bend the neck
and trunk.
Spinalis Thoracis
This muscle arises from the spinous process of the lower thoracic vertebrae (T11) or lumbar
vertebrae (L2-L3). It inserts into the spinous processes of the third to eight thoracic vertebrae. Its
function is similar to that of the other erector spinae muscles, i.e., extension of the vertebral column.
It also helps maintain erect posture. Also, it will help in bending and twisting to the same side.
Spinalis Cervicis
This muscle arises from the lower ligamentum nuchae and the spinous processes of the sixth or
seventh cervical vertebrae (sometimes first or second thoracic vertebrae). It inserts into the spinous
processes of the axis, or sometimes the third or fourth cervical vertebrae.
Spinalis Capitis

This muscle arises from the spinous processes of the lower cervical vertebrae and upper thoracic
vertebrae. The insertion points are between the superior and the inferior nuchal lines of the occipital
bone at the base of the skull.

On a concluding note, erector spinae muscles are extremely essential for stabilizing or strengthening
the back. Though these muscles are quite strong due to the presence of Type 1 fibers, excessive
strain can have an adverse effect on them, thereby causing back pain.