Longissimus

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The Longissimus is a member of the Erector Spinae (Paraspinal*) group, composed of:

• Iliocostalis
• Longissimus
• Spinalis

*The term paraspinal usually denotes the muscles of the erector spinae group as well as the muscles of the transversospinalis group.

The Longissimus has three parts: Longissimus Thoracis, Longissimus Cervicis, Longissimus Capitis.

ATTACHMENTS:

• Sacrum and iliac crest to the head.
  • The superior attachment is onto the mastoid process of the temporal bone of the head.
  • Sacrum, iliac crest, transverse and spinous processes of L1-L5 and T1-T5, and articular processes of C5-C7 to ribs #4-12, transverse processes of T1-T12 and C2-C6, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

ACTIONS:

• Extends the neck and trunk at the spinal joints.
• Laterally flexes the neck and trunk at the spinal joints.
• Ipsilaterally rotates the neck and trunk at the spinal joints.
• Anteriorly tilts the pelvis at the lumbosacral joint.
• Ipsilaterally elevates the pelvis at the lumbosacral joint.

NOTES:

1. The longissimus is the longest of the three subgroups of the erector spinae group.
2. The longissimus is the largest of the three subgroups of the erector spinae group.