Yoga Journal Singapore — December 01, 2017

SERRATUS

POSTERIOR

SUPERIOR

SPINALIS

THORACIS

LEVATORES

COSTARUM

LONGISSIMUS
THORACIS

ROTATORES

INTERCOSTALS

MULTIFIDUS

ILIOCOSTALIS

BODY OF KNOWLEDGE:

ANATOMY OF THE THORACIC SPINE

There are multiple muscles in your thoracic spine region,

most of which also run through your cervical spine or

lumbar spine regions (or both). Here, get to know the

deeper muscles that attach to your thoracic spine, as well as

those that share a soft-tissue relationship with the thoracic

spine and rib cage.

TRANSVERSOSPINALIS

As a group, these muscles connect different portions of

each vertebra to adjacent or semi-adjacent vertebrae.

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ERECTOR SPINAE MUSCLES

As a group, these muscles provide postural support for your

trunk and facilitate multiple motions of your torso.

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SERRATUS POSTERIOR SUPERIOR

This muscle connects your upper three thoracic vertebrae to

ribs 2–5. It helps elevate your ribs when you inhale.

RESPIRATORY DIAPHRAGM (NOT SHOWN)

This muscle attaches to the inside of your lower six ribs; you

may notice it when it’s spasming with the hiccups.

INTERCOSTALS

These muscles are situated between each rib. They stabilize

your rib cage and assist in breathing.

LEVATORES COSTARUM

These muscles connect the transverse processes of each

thoracic vertebra to the rib below and help you inhale.

A vertebra, dissected

SPINOUS PROCESSThese are bony projections off

thebackofeachvertebra.Alongsideeachspinousprocess

is an arch-like structure called the lamina, which provides

a major point of attachment for your spine’s muscles and

ligaments.

INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS(NOT SHOWN) These

arethespine’sshockabsorbers.Eachdiscformsa

fibrocartilaginous joint (a symphysis) to allow slight

movement of vertebrae and hold adjacent vertebrae

together.

TRANSVERSE PROCESSThese bony projections off each

side of each vertebra are the attachment sites for your

spine’smusclesandligaments.

VERTEBRAL BODYThis thick oval segment of bone forms

the front of each vertebra. A protective layer of compact

bone encircles a cavity of spongy bone tissue.

SPINOUS

PROCESS

VERTEBRAL

BODY

TRANSVERSE

PROCESS

21

december 2017 / january 2018

yogajournal.com.sg