Dance Anatomy & Kinesiology

88 Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology

Semispinalis

The semispinalis (semi, half + spina, spine) lies close to

the vertebrae beneath the erector spinae. It is divided into

three parts in accordance with its superior attachments

as seen in figure 3.18. As suggested by their name, these

three paired muscles are only located in the thoracic and

cervical regions of the spine. Except in the upper region,

the muscle fibers span from transverse process to spinous

process several vertebrae above, and so their line of pull

goes inward and upward from their inferior attachment. In

accordance with this line of pull, when one side contracts

the action is spinal lateral flexion and rotation to the

opposite side. When both sides contract together they can

produce extension of the thoracic spine, cervical spine,

or the head and are some of the muscles emphasized

when trying to strengthen the “upper back.” In dance,

the semispinalis is used with other spinal extensors to

achieve the desired arching of the upper back and a “long

and lifted” spine when the torso is vertical.

Palpation: Place the fingers of your right hand flat against

the lower neck just to the right of the low cervical spinous

processes, and the palm of your left hand against your

left temple. Slowly rotate your head to the left. The tension you feel under your fingers when the head

rotates is due in part to contraction of the semispinalis (capitis).

FIGURE 3.18 The semispinalis (posterior view).

Attachments and Primary Actions of Deep Posterior Spinal Group

Muscle Inferior attachment(s) Superior attachment(s) Primary action(s)

Interspinales Spinous processes of C and L

vertebrae

Spinous process of vertebra

above

Stabilization

Local spinal extension

Intertransversales Primarily transverse processes

of C and L vertebrae

Primarily transverse process

of vertebra above

Stabilization

Local spinal extension

Local spinal lateral flexion (same)

Rotatores Transverse processes of one

vertebra, most developed in

thoracic region

Junction of laminae and

spinous process or transverse

process 1-2 vertebrae above

Stabilization

Local spinal extension

Local spinal lateral flexion (same)

Local spinal rotation (opposite)

Multifidus Sacrum, ilium, transverse

processes of T1-T3 and

articular processes of C4-C7,

most developed in lumbar

region

Spinous processes 2-4

vertebrae above from C2-L5

Stabilization

Local spinal extension

Local spinal lateral flexion (same)

Local spinal rotation (opposite)

Deep Posterior Spinal Group

The deep posterior spinal group includes the intertransversales, interspinales, rotatores, and multifi-

dus. These muscles are composed of a series of paired small slips that span one to four vertebrae in

various regions of the spine as seen in figure 3.19. In general, the intertransversales (inter, between)

span between transverse processes of adjacent vertebrae, the interspinales (inter, between) between

spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae, and the rotatores (L. rotatio, to revolve or rotate) and multifi-