Muscles are named according to their shape, location, or a combination. They are further categorized according function such as flexion, extension, or rotation. Muscles and ligaments work together to support the spine, hold it upright, and control movement during rest and activity.
| Forward flexors |
Anterior |
| Lateral flexors |
Lateral |
| Rotators |
Lateral |
| Extensors |
Posterior |
Skeletal muscle is striated (striped) in appearance. It is innervated, under voluntary control, and has the fastest contraction rate of all muscle. Prior to a muscle contracting, a nerve impulse originates in the brain and travels through the spinal cord to the muscle.
Energy is needed for the muscle to contract (work). Mitochondria (cellular level) produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a chemical cells need for energy. ATP is produced as the mitochondria burn glucose (sugar). Blood vessels deliver the oxygen and nutrients the mitochondria needs to provide a steady supply of ATP.
| Sternocleidomastoid |
Extends & rotates head, flexes vertebral column |
C2, C3 |
| Scalenus |
Flexes & rotates neck |
Lower cervical |
| Spinalis Cervicis |
Extends & rotates head |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Spinalis Capitus |
Extends & rotates head |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Semispinalis Cervicis |
Extends & rotates vertebral column |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Semispinalis Capitus |
Rotates head & pulls backward |
C1 – C5 |
| Splenius Cervicis |
Extends vertebral column |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Longus Colli Cervicis |
Flexes cervical vertebrae |
C2 – C7 |
| Longus Capitus |
Flexes head |
C1 – C3 |
| Rectus Capitus Anterior |
Flexes head |
C2, C3 |
| Rectus Capitus Lateralis |
Bends head laterally |
C2, C3 |
| Iliocostalis Cervicis |
Extends cervical vertebrae |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Longissimus Cervicis |
Extends cervical vertebrae |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Longissimus Capitus |
Rotates head & pulls backward |
Middle/lower cervical |
| Rectus Capitus Posterior Major |
Extends & rotates head |
Suboccipital |
| Rectus Capitus Posterior Minor |
Extends head |
Suboccipital |
| Obliquus Capitus Inferior |
Rotates atlas |
Suboccipital |
| Obliquus Capitus Superior |
Extends & bends head laterally |
Suboccipital |
| Longissimus Thoracis |
Extension, lateral flexion of vertebral column, rib rotation |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Iliocostalis Thoracis |
Extension, lateral flexion of vertebral column, rib rotation |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Spinalis Thoracis |
Extends vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Semispinalis Thoracis |
Extends & rotates vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Rotatores Thoracis |
Extends & rotates vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Psoas Major |
Flexes thigh at hip joint & vertebral column |
L2, L3, sometimes L1 or L4 |
| Intertransversarii Lateralis |
Lateral flexion of vertebral column |
Ventral primary division of spinal nerves |
| Quadratus Lumborum |
Lateral flexion of vertebral column |
T12, L1 |
| Interspinales |
Extends vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Intertransversarii Mediales |
Lateral flexion of vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Multifidus |
Extends & rotates vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Longissimus Lumborum |
Extends & rotates vertebral column |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
| Iliocostalis Lumborum |
Extension, lateral flexion of vertebral column, rib rotation |
Dorsal primary divisions of spinal nerves |
Fascia is thickened connective tissue that envelops a muscle or a group of muscles. Superficial fascia is found directly under the skin. Epimysium is the fascia closest to the muscle. Perimysium divides the muscle into facicles – muscle fibers. Endomysium is another type of connective tissue that covers each muscle fiber.
Extensive information regarding the muscles and their function can be found here.
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