Anatomy
One of the intrinsic muscles of the back.
Consists of semispinalis capitis, cervicus and thoracis.
Semispinalis capitis:
Origin: Articular processes of C4 to C6 and transverse processes of C7 to T7.
Insertion: Occipital bone on the area lying between the superior and inferior nuchal lines.
Semispinalis cervicis:
Origin: Transverse processes of T1 to T5/6.
Insertion: Spinous process of C2 (axis) to C5.
Semispinalis thoracis/(dorsi):
Origin: Transverse processes of T6 to T10.
Insertion:Spinous processes of C5 to T4.
Key Relations:
-Most superficial of transversospinalis group. Not found past thoracic segments.
Functions
-Extension of thoracic and cervical region of vertebral column and rotation to the opposite side.
-Semispinalis capitis extends the head and rotates it slightly to the opposite side.
Supply
Nerve Supply:
Dorsal rami of cervical and thoracic spinal nerves.
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