Iliocostalis Cervicis (Left) (Musculus iliocostalis cervicis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The cranialmost segment of the iliocostalis column, bridging the upper rib cage to the mid-cervical vertebrae. It arises from the angles of the third to sixth ribs and ascends across the superior thoracic aperture to insert onto the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fourth through sixth cervical vertebrae. It extends and laterally flexes the cervical spine and contributes to cervical lordosis preservation.
Origin & insertion
From the angles of the third through sixth ribs, into the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fourth, fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae (C4–C6).
Action
Extends and laterally flexes the cervical spine; aids in ipsilateral rotation of the neck.
Innervation
Posterior rami of lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves (C4–T3).
Clinical notes
Tension in the iliocostalis cervicis is a common mechanical cause of cervicogenic neck stiffness and referred pain radiating across the upper scapula.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Iliocostalis Cervicis (Left)?
The cranialmost segment of the iliocostalis column, bridging the upper rib cage to the mid-cervical vertebrae. It arises from the angles of the third to sixth ribs and ascends across the superior thoracic aperture to insert onto the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the fourth through sixth cervical vertebrae. It extends and laterally flexes the cervical spine and contributes to cervical lordosis preservation.
Why is the Iliocostalis Cervicis (Left) clinically important?
Tension in the iliocostalis cervicis is a common mechanical cause of cervicogenic neck stiffness and referred pain radiating across the upper scapula.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details