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The muscles in the back can be divided into three groups: the superficial, intermediate, and intrinsic or deep muscles. The deep muscles are further subdivided into three groups: the semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores. These muscles are responsible for stabilising the vertebral column and play a role in proprioception and balance. They also help with the movement of the vertebral column and control of posture. The rotatores muscles, in particular, function as stabilisers, extensors, and rotators of the spine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Group | Rotatores |
| Muscle Type | Deep/intrinsic back muscles |
| Muscle Sub-type | Rotatores thoracis |
| Muscle Sub-groups | Rotatores, Multifidus, Semispinalis |
| Muscle Sub-divisions | Rotatores colli/cervicis, Rotatores thoracis, Rotatores lumborum |
| Muscle Function | Stabilizers, Extensors, Rotators |
| Muscle Innervation | Medial branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves |
| Muscle Blood Supply | Dorsal branches of posterior intercostal and lumbar arteries |
| Muscle Development | Embryologically in the back |
| Muscle Attachments | Transverse and spinous processes of vertebrae |
| Muscle Layers | Three layers: superficial, intermediate, and deep |
| Muscle Movement | Rotation, Flexion/extension, Side bending |
| Muscle Stabilization | Stabilizers of the vertebral column |
| Muscle Proprioception | Proprioceptors, rich in muscle spindles |
| Muscle Pain | Associated with low back pain |
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What You'll Learn
Rotatores muscles
The rotatores muscles are a set of short muscles located laterally along the vertebral column, attaching between the transverse and spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. They are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group, which is a deep group of back muscles that lie deep to the Erector Spinae. The rotatores are made up of two parts: the long and short rotatores. They are further divided into three groups based on region: rotatores colli/cervicis, rotatores thoracis, and rotatores lumborum.
Rotatores thoracis is the most developed region and is the most important subtype acting on the spine. They are located in the thoracic spine and can be further subdivided into long and short rotatores, based on the length of their muscle fibres. There are eleven pairs of these small, quadrilateral muscles, with the first pair between T1 and T2, and the last between T11 and T12. The first or last pair may sometimes be absent.
The rotatores function as stabilizers, extensors, and rotators of the spine. They occupy positions of poor mechanical leverage, and studies have shown a minimal contribution of the rotatores towards spine movements. Instead, they act as extensible ligaments that adjust their length to support adjacent vertebrae. They also have a proprioceptive role, as they are highly rich in muscle spindles, sensing the positioning of each spinal motion.
Weakness in the rotatores muscle has been associated with low back pain. Impaired proprioception resulting from injury may degrade lumbar motor function, increasing the risk of reinjury. Therefore, restoring proprioception of the lumbar spine after injury is an important goal of treatment.
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Transversospinalis muscles
The Transversospinalis muscle group is a deep group of back muscles that lies deep to the Erector Spinae. It consists of three major subgroups: semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores. The Transversospinalis muscles group runs obliquely and medially from the transverse process of the vertebra below to the spinous process, filling the groove on either side of the spinous process. These muscles assist in bending the back posteriorly when contracted bilaterally. When unilateral contraction occurs, they are responsible for assisting with lateral bending and
The rotatores are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group and have the shortest fascicles, spanning one to two segments. The rotatores can be divided regionally into rotatores colli/cervicis, rotatores thoracis, and rotatores lumborum. The rotatores are more likely stabilizers of the spinal column. Studies have shown a minimal contribution of the rotatores towards spine movements. Instead, they function as important stabilizers of the vertebral column, acting as extensible ligaments that adjust their length to support adjacent vertebrae.
The semispinalis muscles have the longest fascicles of the transversospinalis group, spanning six segments. The muscles in this group are the semispinalis capitis, semispinalis cervicis, and semispinalis thoracis. Semispinalis capitus is responsible for head rotation and pulling the head backward. The semispinalis cervicis extends the cervical vertebrae. The semispinalis is the most superficial of the transversospinalis muscle group. Its attachment sites are the thoracic vertebrae (semispinalis thoracis), cervical vertebrae (semispinalis cervicis), and occipital bone at the base of the skull (semispinalis capitis).
The multifidus muscle lies deep to the semispinalis and spans the whole length of the vertebral column, being most developed in the lumbar region. The multifidus muscle extends from the cervical to the sacral levels, lying lateral to the spinous processes and covering the laminae of the underlying vertebrae.
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Superficial back muscles
The back muscles are divided into three groups: superficial (extrinsic), intermediate, and intrinsic (deep) back muscles. The superficial back muscles are the ones closest to the surface, just under the skin. They help move the shoulders and the scapula. These muscles are easily identified by palpation. They run from the vertebral column to the rib cage and assist with elevating and depressing the ribs. They also play a role as accessory muscles for respiration.
The superficial back muscles include the latissimus dorsi, also known as the "lats", which are the largest muscles in the upper half of the body. They start below the shoulder blades and extend to the spine in the lower back. Another superficial back muscle is the trapezius, a large, triangular muscle that spans the upper back. It is responsible for moving and stabilising the scapula and supporting shoulder movements.
The serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior are also considered intermediate extrinsic back muscles. They are located beneath the superficial layer and are primarily involved in respiratory functions, assisting in the movement of the rib cage. The serratus posterior superior elevates the upper ribs to aid in inhalation, while the serratus posterior inferior depresses the lower ribs, assisting with exhalation.
The levator scapulae is a smaller muscle located along the side of the neck. It helps lift and rotate the scapula.
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Intermediate back muscles
The muscles of the back are divided into three groups: superficial, intermediate, and deep (or intrinsic). The superficial group is associated with movements of the shoulder, while the intermediate group is associated with movements of the thoracic cage. The intermediate back muscles are covered by the superficial back muscles.
The intermediate group contains two muscles: the serratus posterior superior and serratus posterior inferior. These muscles run from the vertebral column to the rib cage and assist with elevating and depressing the ribs. The serratus posterior superior is a thin, rectangular-shaped muscle that lies deep to the rhomboid muscles on the upper back. It originates from the lower part of the ligamentum nuchae and the cervical and thoracic spines (usually C7-T3). The fibres pass in an inferolateral direction, attaching to ribs 2-5. Its function is to elevate ribs 2-5 and it is innervated by intercostal nerves.
The serratus posterior inferior is a broad and strong muscle that lies underneath the latissimus dorsi. It originates from the thoracic and lumbar spines (usually T11-L3) and its fibres pass in a superolateral direction, attaching to ribs 9-12. Its function is to depress ribs 9-12 and it is also innervated by intercostal nerves.
The intermediate back muscles also include the erector spinae muscles, which are responsible for the extension and lateral flexion of the spine, head, and neck.
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Deep back muscles
Back muscles are woven layers of groups that run from the neck to just above the hips. They support the torso, enable movement, and assist with breathing. The deep back muscles are well-developed and collectively extend from the sacrum to the base of the skull. They are associated with the movements of the vertebral column and the control of posture.
Healthcare providers divide back muscles into three groups: superficial (extrinsic) back muscles, intermediate back muscles, and intrinsic (deep) back muscles. The deep back muscles are the deepest layer of back muscles and are underneath all the other groups and subgroups.
The deep back muscles include the transversospinalis muscle group, which is made up of the semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores muscles. These muscles lie between the spinous and transverse processes of the vertebral column and are deep to the erector spinae muscles. The rotatores are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group and have the shortest fascicles, spanning one (short rotatores) to two segments (long rotatores). They are present along the entire length of the vertebral column but are most prominent in the thoracic region.
The multifidus muscle also belongs to the intermediate layer of the transversospinalis muscle group. It is composed of many short, triangular muscles that span the entire length of the vertebral column, with the thickest and most developed region being the lumbar region. The main function of the multifidus is to stabilize the vertebrae during movements of the spine. Bilateral contraction of the multifidus results in the extension of the vertebral column, while unilateral contraction produces ipsilateral lateral flexion and rotation of the vertebral column.
The levatores costarum, interspinales, and intertransversarii muscles form the deepest layer of the deep back muscles and are sometimes referred to as the segmental muscles or the minor deep back muscles.
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Frequently asked questions
The rotatores muscles are a set of short muscles located laterally along the vertebral column. They are part of the transversospinalis muscle group, which also includes the semispinalis and multifidus. The rotatores muscles function as stabilizers, extensors, and rotators of the spine.
The rotatores muscles can be divided regionally into rotatores colli/cervicis, rotatores thoracis, and rotatores lumborum. Rotatores thoracis are the most important subtype acting on the spine, as rotatores colli and lumborum are often inconsistent and may be missing.
The rotatores muscles are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group and have the shortest fascicles, spanning one (short rotatores) to two segments (long rotatores). They are part of the deep, core muscle groups of the body, assisting in powering all limb movement and functioning as dynamic stabilizers.
