Thoracic Rotator (Musculus rotator thoracis)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
The best-developed division of the rotatores, forming eleven pairs of small quadrate muscles deep in the dorsal thoracic groove. Divided into rotatores breves (spanning one vertebra) and rotatores longi (spanning two vertebrae), they originate from thoracic transverse processes and insert into the lamina and spinous process bases above. They resist excessive intersegmental spinal torsion and rotate the trunk toward the opposite side.
Origin & insertion
From the transverse processes of all twelve thoracic vertebrae, into the inferior border and lateral surface of the lamina and base of the spinous process of the vertebra above (brevis) or two above (longus).
Action
Rotates the thoracic spine toward the opposite side; stabilizes the thoracic vertebrae against rotary distortion.
Innervation
Posterior rami of thoracic spinal nerves (T1–T12).
Clinical notes
Thoracic rotatores are prone to sustained ischemic contraction in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, contributing to the rotational component of the spinal deformity.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Thoracic Rotator?
The best-developed division of the rotatores, forming eleven pairs of small quadrate muscles deep in the dorsal thoracic groove. Divided into rotatores breves (spanning one vertebra) and rotatores longi (spanning two vertebrae), they originate from thoracic transverse processes and insert into the lamina and spinous process bases above. They resist excessive intersegmental spinal torsion and rotate the trunk toward the opposite side.
Why is the Thoracic Rotator clinically important?
Thoracic rotatores are prone to sustained ischemic contraction in idiopathic adolescent scoliosis, contributing to the rotational component of the spinal deformity.
Source & license
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