Multifidus muscle

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Multifidus muscle
Posterior branches
ActionsProvides proprioceptive feedback and input due to high muscle spindle density; Bilateral backward extension, unilateral ipsilateral side-bending and contralateral rotation.
Identifiers
Latinmusculus multifidus spinae
TA98A04.3.02.202
TA22276
FMA22827
Anatomical terms of muscle]

The multifidus (multifidus spinae : pl.: multifidi) muscle consists of a number of fleshy and tendinous

vertebrae, from the sacrum to the axis. While very thin, the multifidus muscle plays an important role in stabilizing the joints within the spine. The multifidus is one of the transversospinales
.

Located just superficially to the spine itself, the multifidus muscle spans three joint segments and works to stabilize these joints at each level.

The stiffness and stability makes each vertebra work more effectively, and reduces the degeneration of the joint structures caused by friction from normal physical activity.

These fasciculi arise:

  • in the
    posterior sacroiliac ligaments
    .
  • in the
    mamillary processes
    .
  • in the
    transverse processes
    .
  • in the cervical region: from the articular processes of the lower four vertebrae.

Each fasciculus, passing obliquely upward and medially, is inserted into the whole length of the

spinous process
of one of the vertebræ above.

These fasciculi vary in length: the most superficial, the longest, pass from one vertebra to the third or fourth above; those next in order run from one vertebra to the second or third above; while the deepest connect two adjacent vertebrae.

The multifidus lies deep relative to the

transverse abdominis, abdominal internal oblique muscle and abdominal external oblique muscle
.

Atrophy and association with low back pain

Dysfunction in the lumbar multifidus muscles is strongly associated with

pelvic floor muscles for a few seconds "as if stopping urination midstream".[3]

Additional images

  • The posterior divisions of the sacral nerves.
    The posterior divisions of the sacral nerves.
  • The multifidus muscles (labeled left) as seen in a posterior view of the neck.
    The multifidus muscles (labeled left) as seen in a posterior view of the neck.

See also

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 400 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. S2CID 22246810
    .
  2. PMID 25426227
    .
  3. ISBN 978-0-7637-9609-9
    .

External links
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