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Longissimus

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Longissimus is one of the erector spinae group of spinal muscles. It is the longest and the intermediate of the three groups. Classically, it is divided into three parts according to the region of insertion of its fibres:

  • longissimus capitis
  • longissimus cervicis
  • longissimus thoracis

A longitudinal column, it runs between the transverse processes of the vertebrae.

In concert with the other erector spinae muscles, its weak unilateral action is to laterally flex the spine; bilaterally, it extends the spine.

It is innervated by the dorsal primary rami of the segmental spinal nerves.


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