Name

# Rotatores

Pronunciation

(ro-ta-TOR-rez)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Transverse processes of one vertebra

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Onto base of spinous processes of higher vertebrae Short: immediately above Long: span 1 vertebra

Action/Relevance

Bilaterally: extends vertebral columnUnilaterally: rotation of superior vertebra to opposite side

Innervation

Dorsal rami of spinal nerves

Notes

The Rotatores (Rotatores spinę) lie beneath the Multifidus and are found only in the thoracic region; they are eleven in number on either side. Each muscle is small and somewhat quadrilateral in form; it arises from the upper and back part of the transverse process, and is inserted into the lower border and lateral surface of the lamina of the vertebra above, the fibers extending as far as the root of the spinous process. The first is found between the first and second thoracic vertebrę; the last, between the eleventh and twelfth. Sometimes the number of these muscles is diminished by the absence of one or more from the upper or lower end.