Deep Back and Suboccipital Triangle

Objectives:

1. Describe the structure, attachments, function and

support

of: • splenius capitus and cervicis • erector spinae • transversospinal group • intersegmental group 2.Describe the attachments, actions and support of the suboccipital muscles. 3.Describe the boundaries, contents and relationships of the suboccipital triangle.

Thoracolumbar Fascia

The thoracolumbar fascia: • surrounds the deep muscles of the back • superiorly, continuous with deep fascia of the neck • “deep” to serratus posterior muscles • medially, attaches to the spines of the vertebrae • laterally, attaches to the transverse processes • inferiorly, attaches to lower border of 12 th rib and iliac crest

Thoracolumbar Fascia

Deep Back Muscles and Innervation

Rotation of Vertebrae

Splenius Cervicis:

Attachments: Action: Innervation:

Splenius Capitis:

Attachments: Action: Innervation:

Splenius Cervicis & Capitis

Spinalis Longissimus Iliocostalis Erector Spinae

Erector Spinae

A 35-year-old male presents with the main complaint of lower back discomfort. Physical exam reveals that L1 – L4 are SB L and R R .

Dysfunction of what muscle is most likely responsible for this finding?

(SBL = side bend to the left…Rr = rotated to the right side)…

Transversospinal Group

Rotatores Multifidus Semispinalis

Transversospinal Group

Transversospinal Group

Intersegmental Muscles

Interspinales: Intertransversarii:

Intersegmental Muscles

Intertransversarii: in the thoracic region intertransversarii are modified to form the levator costarum

Suboccipital Muscles

• situated deep to semispinalis capitis Rectus capitis posterior major Rectus capitis posterior minor Obliquus capitis inferior Obliquus capitis superior

Contents of the Suboccipital Triangle

Contents of the Suboccipital Triangle