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Erector spina

Contents

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Pelvis

Insertion

  • Columna
  • Costa
  • Caput

Commentary

  • The erector spina group consists of several muscles, like the iliocostalis, longissimus and spinalis, which again are also considered muscle groups by themselves containing even more muscles
  • As a consequence of this, naming the origin and insertion points is very generally defined

Main function

  • Trunk
    • Extension
    • Lateral flexion
    • Ipsilateral rotation
  • Pelvis
    • Anterior tilt

Secondary function

  • Pelvis
    • Elevation
    • Contralateral rotation

Nerve innervation

  • Peripheral
    • Dorsal rami of the cervical, thorocal and lumbar spina nerves

Arterial supply

  • Dorsal branch of the posterior intercostal and lumbar arteries
  • Thoracodorsal arteries

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Prone
  • Palpate laterally to the processus spinosi in the columna at the lumbar region
  • Feel for the vertical orientation of the fibers from the erector spina
  • Ask the patient to perform an extension movement of the back while you feel for contraction of the muscles