Anatomy Back Muscle Origins

Front 1

Medial part of superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, spinous processes (C7-T12)

Back 1

Trapezius

Front 2

Spinous processes of lower 6 thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae, posterior part of iliac crest (attached to posterior iliac crest via thoracolumbar fascia), lower 3 or 4 ribs, sometimes inferior angle of scapula

Back 2

Latissimus dorsi

Front 3

Transverse processes of upper 4 cervical vertebrae (high origin)

Back 3

Levator scapulae

Front 4

Lower part of ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7 and T1

Back 4

Rhomboid Minor

Front 5

Spinous processes from T2 to T5

Back 5

Rhomboid Major

Front 6

Lower part of ligamentum nuchae and spinous process of C7 to T2 or T3

Back 6

Serratus Posterior Superior (immediately deep to rhomboid muscles)

Front 7

Spinous processes from T11 to L2 or L3

Back 7

Serratus Posterior Inferior

Front 8

Lower part of ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes C7 to T3

Back 8

Splenius Capitis

Front 9

Spinous processes T3 to T6 vertebrae

Back 9

Splenius Cervicis

Front 10

Extensive inferior tendinous origin (erector spinae aponeurosis) from posterior part of iliac crest, posterior surface of sacrum, spinous processes of lower 2 thoracic & all lumbar vertebrae

Back 10

Erector Spinae (Sacrospinalis), 3 parts: Iliocostalis, Longissimus, Spinalis

Front 11

From transverse of T1 to T6, Lower 3 or 4 cervical vertebrae

Back 11

Semispinalis Capitis

Front 12

Tips of transverse processes from C7 to T11

Back 12

Levatores costarum (12 pairs)

Front 13

Posterior tubercle of atlas (C1)

Back 13

Rectus Capitis Posterior Minor (Rectus Minor)

Front 14

Spinous process of axis (C2)

Back 14

Rectus Capitis Posterior Major (Rectus Major)

Front 15

Transverse process of atlas (C1)

Back 15

Obliquus Capitis Superior (Superior Oblique)

Front 16

Spinous process of axis (C2)

Back 16

Obliquus Capitis Inferior (Inferior Oblique)