Longissimus
Original Editor - Lucinda hampton
Top Contributors - Lucinda hampton and Wendy Snyders
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The longissimus muscle is a long intrinsic muscle of the back and together with spinalis and iliocostalis muscles, comprises the erector spinae group[1]. Longissimus is the longest and thickest muscle of the erector spinae and lies between spinalis and iliocostalis[1]. Longissimus, together with the rest of the erector spinae group, runs along the entire length of the vertebral column[1].It is made of three parts listed below[1][2]:
- Longissimus capitis
- Longissimus cervicis
- Longissimus thoracis.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
Origins[1]:
- Longissimus capitis: C4-T5 transverse processes
- Longissimus cervicis: T1-T5 transverse processes
- Longissimus thoracis (thoracic part): L1-L5 spinous and transverse processes, sacral posterior surface and posterior iliac crest and median sacral crest
- Longissimus thoracis (lumbar part):Lumbar intermuscular aponeurosis, posterior sacroiliac ligament and medial part of sacropelvic surface of ilium
Insertions[1]:
- Longissimus capitis: Mastoid process of temporal bone
- Longissimus cervicis: C2-C6 transverse processes
- Longissimus thoracis (thoracic part): T1-T12 transverse processes and the angles of ribs 7-12
- Longissimus thoracis (lumbar part): L1-L5 accessory and transverse processes
- Extension of the spine when acting bilaterally
- Ipsilateral lateral flexion of the spine when acting unilaterally
Lateral branches of posterior rami of spinal nerves.
Blood supply[1]:
- Longissimus capitis and cervicis: vertebral artery, transverse cervical artery, deep cervical artery and occipital artery
- Longissimus thoracis: posterior intercostal, subcostal, superior intercostal, lateral sacral and median sacral arteries
Relations
- Longissimus is found on either sides of the vertebral bodies, running superficial to the transversospinalis and spinalis thoracis muscles.
- Longissimus is located deep to the splenius capitis, splenius colli, iliocostalis thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum muscles, and erector spinae aponeurosis.
Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]
Longissimus is a global stabilizer of the back. In their ability to control movement and provide stability, muscles must be seen not as isolated structures, but as part of a chain including ligaments, joints and their capsules, and an intricate neurologic feedback mechanism to coordinate system efficiency. We should take this into consideration when assessing back pain.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 MD GS. Longissimus muscle [Internet]. Kenhub; 2022 [cited 2023 Sept 15]. Available from: https://www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/longissimus-muscle
- ↑ Study.com Longissimus Available:https://study.com/academy/lesson/longissimus-muscle-origin-insertion-function.html (accessed 5.2.2022)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 1. Longissimus [Internet]. [cited 2023 Sept 15]. Available from: https://teachmeanatomy.info/encyclopaedia/l/longissimus/