Longissimus

Musculus longissimus

Core CoreBackSpinal ErectorsPosterior ChainHinge

The longissimus is the longest and largest of the three erector spinae columns, sitting between the iliocostalis and spinalis. It is a powerful bilateral spinal extender and a unilateral lateral flexor and rotator, with its capitis portion also extending the head. It carries much of the back-extension load in deadlifts and is central to maintaining a neutral spine under heavy posterior-chain work.

Actions

Spinal extension (bilateral), Lateral flexion of the vertebral column and head (unilateral), Extension and rotation of the head

Origin

Transverse processes of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and the articular processes of the lower cervical vertebrae, plus the common erector spinae aponeurosis

Insertion

Transverse processes of the thoracic and cervical vertebrae, the lower ribs, and the mastoid process of the temporal bone (capitis)

Innervation

Posterior (dorsal) rami of the spinal nerves

Blood supply

Lateral sacral, lumbar, and posterior intercostal arteries

Heads

Longissimus thoracis, Longissimus cervicis, Longissimus capitis

Wikipedia ↗

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