Muscle
Multifidus
Deep segmental stabiliser
High-yield
Key deep segmental stabiliser of the spine (esp. lumbar); dorsal rami. Thickest in the lumbar region.
Overview
A deep transversospinalis muscle spanning 2-4 vertebrae that stabilises the spine segment-to-segment and produces small rotations.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Sacrum, ilium, and transverse processes of vertebrae
- Insertion
- Spinous processes 2-4 segments superiorly
- Action
- Stabilises the vertebrae; extends and contralaterally rotates the spine
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of spinal nerves
- Blood supply
- Segmental (posterior intercostal, lumbar) arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the multifidus do?
The multifidus stabilises the vertebrae; extends and contralaterally rotates the spine.
What nerve innervates the multifidus?
The multifidus is innervated by the dorsal rami of spinal nerves.
Where does the multifidus attach?
The multifidus originates from the sacrum, ilium, and transverse processes of vertebrae and inserts on the spinous processes 2-4 segments superiorly.
What is the blood supply of the multifidus?
The multifidus is supplied by the segmental (posterior intercostal, lumbar) arteries.