Anatomy of Back Muscles and Movements

Vocabulary flashcards covering muscles of the back, neck, and chest, including their functional movements, developmental categories, and nerve innervations.

Trapezius

A superficial hypaxial muscle innervated by CN XI (accessory nerve) that functions in scapula elevation, scapular retraction, and scapular rotation.

Levator Scapulae

A superficial hypaxial muscle innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve that functions in scapula elevation and scapular rotation.

Rhomboid Major / Minor

Superficial hypaxial muscles innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve that function in scapular retraction and scapular rotation.

Latissimus Dorsi

A superficial hypaxial muscle innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve that functions in humerus extension, adduction, and medial rotation.

Splenius Capitis

A superficial epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami that functions in head extension and ipsilateral head rotation.

Splenius Cervicis

A superficial epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami that produces ipsilateral movement.

Longissimus Capitis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami that functions in head extension.

Longissimus Thoracis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Longissimus Cervicis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Iliocostalis Lumborum

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Iliocostalis Thoracis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Iliocostalis Cervicis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Spinalis Thoracis

An intermediate epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Semispinalis Capitis

A deep epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami that functions in head extension and contralateral head rotation.

Semispinalis Cervicis

A deep epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami that produces contralateral movement.

Multifidus

A deep epaxial muscle innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column stabilization.

Rotatores Longus / Brevis

Deep epaxial muscles innervated by posterior rami involved in vertebral column stabilization.

Intertransversarii

Deep epaxial muscles innervated by anterior and posterior rami involved in vertebral column lateral flexion.

Obliquus Capitis Superior

A suboccipital triangle muscle innervated by the suboccipital nerve that functions in head extension and head lateral flexion.

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

A suboccipital triangle muscle innervated by the suboccipital nerve that functions in head lateral flexion.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major

A suboccipital triangle muscle innervated by the suboccipital nerve that functions in head extension.

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor

A suboccipital triangle muscle innervated by the suboccipital nerve that functions in head extension.

Serratus Posterior Superior

A deep hypaxial muscle innervated by intercostal nerves that functions in rib elevation during forced inhalation.

Serratus Posterior Inferior

A deep hypaxial muscle innervated by intercostal nerves that functions in rib depression during forced exhalation.