Back muscles
The muscles of the back allow us to bend, lift and twist our bodies in different directions.
Back muscles are organized into extrinsic (superficial) and intrinsic (deep) back muscles.
The extrinsic back muscles are anatomically in the back, but they produce the movements of the shoulder and act as accessory respiratory muscles. They are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, rhomboids and serratus posterior muscles.
The intrinsic back muscles are considered as true back muscles, as their primary function is to produce the movements of the vertebral column (spine). Some notable synonyms for them are autochtonous back muscles and deep back muscles. They are separated from the superficial extrinsic layer by the thoracolumbar fascia.
The intrinsic back muscles consist of 3 layers:
- Superficial layer: splenius muscles, erector spinae muscles
- Deep layer: transversospinales (semispinalis, multifidus and rotatores)
- Deepest layer: interspinales and intertransversarii muscles
They are innervated by the dorsal rami of spinal nerves.
Master the anatomy of the back muscles with interactive diagrams below, or advanced quizzes and video tutorials.
Iliocostalis Cervicis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the iliocostalis cervicis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Iliocostalis Lumborum Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the iliocostalis lumborum muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Iliocostalis Thoracis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the iliocostalis thoracis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Longissimus Capitis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the longissimus capitis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Longissimus Cervicis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the longissimus cervicis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Longissimus Thoracis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the longissimus thoracis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Multifidus Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the multifidus muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Spinalis Cervicis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the spinalis cervicis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Spinalis Thoracis Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the spinalis thoracis muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Quadratus Lumborum Muscle
Review the attachments, actions, and nerve supply of the quadratus lumborum muscle and test your knowledge of the muscles of the back.
Trapezius Muscle
An interactive demonstration of the Trapezius Muscle (Insertion, Origin, Actions & Innervations) featuring the iconic GBS illustrations.
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle – Attachments, Action & Innervation
Latissimus Dorsi is one of four muscles responsible for the thoracobrachial motion. It is large, flat and triangular in shape originating from large parts of the lumbar region and lower thorax to insert on the humerus through a narrow tendon.
Levator Scapulae Muscle
An interactive demonstration of the Levator Scapulae Muscle (Insertion, Origin, Actions & Innervations) featuring the iconic GBS illustrations.
Rhomboid Minor Muscle
An interactive demonstration of the Rhomboid Minor Muscle (Insertion, Origin, Actions & Innervations) featuring the iconic GBS illustrations.
Rhomboid Major Muscle
An interactive demonstration of the Rhomboid Major Muscle (Insertion, Origin, Actions & Innervations) featuring the iconic GBS illustrations.