Semispinalis Muscle

Authors
Affiliations

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: Muscles of the Neck and Back1
Reading list
  • Thoracolumbar paraspinal muscles2
  • Neuman3
Muscle Origin Insertion Innervation Action

Semispinalis Capitis OIAN

Figure 2: Muscles of the Posterior and lateral neck1

Origin

C4-T7 (TP and Articular process)4

Insertion

Occipital bone (between superior and inferior nuchal lines)4

Innervation

Spinal nn. (Posterior Rami)4

Action

  • BIL: Extends thoracic and cervical spines and head (stabilizes craniovertebral jt)4
  • UNIL: I/L SB of head, cervical, and thoracic spine; C/L Rotation4

Semispinalis Cervicis OIAN

Origin

T1-T6 (TP)4

Insertion

C2-C5 (SP)4

Innervation

Spinal nn. (Posterior Rami)4

Action

  • BIL: Extends thoracic and cervical spines and head (stabilizes craniovertebral jt)4
  • UNIL: I/L SB of head, cervical, and thoracic spine; C/L Rotation4

Semispinalis Thoracis OIAN

Origin

T6-T12 (TP)4

Insertion

C6-T4 (SP)4

Innervation

Spinal nn. (Posterior Rami)4

Action

  • BIL: Extends thoracic and cervical spines and head (stabilizes craniovertebral jt)4
  • UNIL: I/L SB of head, cervical, and thoracic spine; C/L Rotation4

References

1.
Betts JG, Blaker W. Anatomy and Physiology. 2nd ed. OpenStax; 2022. https://openstax.org/details/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/?Book%20details
2.
Donnelly JM, Simons DG, eds. Travell, Simons & Simons’ Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual. Third edition. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2019.
3.
Neumann DA, Kelly ER, Kiefer CL, Martens K, Grosz CM. Kinesiology of the Musculoskeletal System: Foundations for Rehabilitation. 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2017.
4.
Gilroy AM, MacPherson BR, Wikenheiser JC, Voll MM, Wesker K, Schünke M, eds. Atlas of Anatomy. 4th ed. Thieme; 2020.

Citation

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