Muscle of the Vertebral Column

Question 1

What are the three muscles of the Erector Spinae group?

Answer 1

Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis

Question 2

Where are the Origins of the Iliocostalis?

Answer 2

Ribs & Iliac Crest

Question 3

Where are the Insertions of the Iliocostalis?

Answer 3

Transverse processes of cervical, thoracic & lumbar vertebrae, and ribs superior to origin

Question 4

What joints do the Iliocostalis cross?

Answer 4

Vertebrae

Question 5

What is the Action of the Iliocostalis?

Answer 5

Extends the spine.

Question 6

Where are the Origins of the Longissimus?

Answer 6

Transverse processes of cervical, thoracic & lumbar vertebrae

Question 7

Where is the Insertion of the Longissimus?

Answer 7

Transverse processes of the superior vertebrae to the origin

Question 8

What joint does the Longissimus cross?

Answer 8

Vertebrae

Question 9

What are the Actions of the Longissimus?

Answer 9

Extends the head and rotates it to the same side

Extends the spine

Question 10

Where are the Origins of the Spinalis?

Answer 10

Spinous processes of cervical, thoracic & lumbar vertebrae

Question 11

Where is the Insertion of the Spinalis?

Answer 11

Spinous processes of the superior vertebrae to the origin

Question 12

What joint does the Spinalis cross?

Answer 12

Vertebrae

Question 13

What is the Action of the Spinalis?

Answer 13

Extends the spine

Question 14

Where are the Origins of the Quadratus Lumborum?

Answer 14

Iliac Crest & Iliolumbar Fascia

Question 15

Where are the Insertions of the Quadratus Lumborum?

Answer 15

Upper four lumbar vertebrae and lower margin of the 12th rib

Question 16

What joint does the Quadratus Lumborum cross?

Answer 16

Intervertebral joints of the lumbar vertebrae

Question 17

What are the Actions of the Quadratus Lumborum?

Answer 17

Unilateral concentric contraction – lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. Unilateral isometric contraction – prevents lateral flexion of the lumbar spine (e.g. when carrying a heavy bag/suitcase in one hand). Bilateral eccentric contraction – assists in preventing hyperflexion of the lumbar spine

Question 18

Where are the Origins of the Multifidus?

Answer 18

Sacrum and transverse processes of the vertebrae

Question 19

Where is the Insertion of the Multifidus?

Answer 19

Spinous processes 2-4 vertebrae superior to the origin

Question 20

What joint does the Multifidus cross?

Answer 20

Intervertebral joints of the vertebral column

Question 21

What are the Actions of the Multiifidus?

Answer 21

Extends the vertebral column. Rotates the vertebral column. It is important to lumbar spine stability because it is a ‘local’ muscle, controlling the fine positioning of adjacent vertebrae