Table 6.

Posterior Trunk Muscles

Muscle Origin Insertion Action(s)

erector spinae These muscles originate They insert into the The erector spinae
from the sacrum, ribs, vertebrae, and group works together to
pelvis, and vertebrae. mastoid process of the extend the spine, rotate
skull. the trunk, and side bend
the trunk.

trapezius The trapezius originates It inserts into the spine The trapezius elevates,
from the occipital bone of the scapula. depresses, retracts, and
of the skull, the rotates the scapula. It
clavicle, and the also helps to support
spinous processes of the head and neck.
the thoracic vertebrae.

latissimus dorsi The latissimus dorsi It inserts into the The latissimus dorsi
originates from the medial aspect of the extends, adducts, and
thoracolumbar fascia, intertubercular groove medially rotates the
lumbar vertebrae, iliac of the humerus. arm. It also helps to
crest, and lower ribs. depress the scapula and
stabilize the trunk.

rhomboids The rhomboids They insert onto the The rhomboids retract
originate from the medial border of the and elevate the scapula.
spinous processes of scapula.
the thoracic vertebrae.

iliocostalis Ribs and lower thoracic Ribs superior to origin Lateral flexion and
and lumbar vertebrae rotation of the vertebral
column

longissimus Iliac crest, transverse Ribs and transverse Extension and rotation
processes of lumbar processes of cervical of the vertebral column
vertebrae, and lower and thoracic vertebrae
thoracic vertebrae

spinalis Spinous processes of Spinous processes of Extension of the head

thoracic and lumbar cervical vertebrae and and neck
vertebrae occipital bone

semi spinalis Transverse processes of Occipital bone Extension of the head

thoracic and cervical and neck
vertebrae

rhomboid major Spinous processes of Medial border of the Adduction and

and minor T1-T5 vertebrae scapula elevation of the scapula

levator scapulae Transverse processes of Medial border of the Upward rotation of the
 C1-C4 vertebrae scapula scapula

serratus posterior Ligamentum nuchae Ribs 1-5 Lateral rotation and

superior and spinous processes upward movement of
of C7-T3 vertebrae the ribs; assists in
inspiration

serratus posterior Spinous processes of Inferior borders of ribs Expels air from the
inferior T9-L2 vertebrae 9-12 lungs during forced
expiration