Iliocostalis colli muscle
Musculus iliocostalis colli
Iliocostalis colli is the uppermost part of the iliocostalis column, linking the upper rib angles to the lower cervical transverse processes.
At a glance
- English
- Iliocostalis colli muscle
- Latin (TA2)
- Musculus iliocostalis colli
- System
- Muscle
- Region
- Neck
- Side
- Single, on the midline
About the iliocostalis colli muscle
Iliocostalis is the outermost column of the erector spinae, the long back muscles that run beside the vertebral column. It lies lateral to longissimus, close to the groove that separates the back muscles from the muscles of the trunk wall, and is divided into lumbar, thoracic and cervical parts. Iliocostalis colli, also called iliocostalis cervicis, is the cervical part and the highest of the three.
It begins on the angles of the third to sixth ribs, medial to the tendons by which iliocostalis thoracis ends. Its slips run upwards and slightly inwards and end on the posterior tubercles of the C4 to C6 transverse processes. It lies deep to serratus posterior superior and splenius, and alongside longissimus colli, which ends on neighbouring tubercles. The whole iliocostalis column takes its lowest origin from the iliac crest, sacrum and thoracolumbar fascia.
Acting on both sides together, the cervical part helps extend the neck and the upper thoracic spine and holds the head and neck upright. Acting on one side, it bends the neck towards the same side and may help raise the upper ribs slightly. It works with the longissimus and splenius muscles in posture and in steadying the neck during movements of the head and arms.
Like the other erector spinae muscles it is supplied by dorsal rami of the spinal nerves, here the lower cervical and upper thoracic nerves. Its blood comes from the deep cervical, vertebral and upper posterior intercostal arteries. Strain or spasm of the deep neck extensors, including this muscle, is a common cause of stiffness and aching in the lower neck and between the shoulder blades.
Attachments, action and supply
- Origin
- Angles of the third to sixth ribs.
- Insertion
- Posterior tubercles of the C4 to C6 transverse processes.
- Action
- Extends the neck when both sides act; bends it to the same side when one acts.
- Nerve supply
- Dorsal rami of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves.
- Blood supply
- Deep cervical, vertebral and upper posterior intercostal arteries.
Anthromica
See the iliocostalis colli muscle where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
