Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Anterior Cervical Intertransversarii

Musculi intertransversarii anteriores cervicis

Origin

Anterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the lower cervical vertebrae (C2-C6)

Insertion

Anterior tubercle of the transverse process of the vertebra below (C3-C7)

Function

Unilaterally: lateral flexion of the cervical spine. Bilaterally: stabilization between the vertebral segments

Innervation

Ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves (C2-C7)

Movement & chain

Works together with the scalenes and the longer neck flexors as a segmental stabilizer during lateral bending of the neck; too small to act as a primary mover.

Palpation

Located deep between the anterior tubercles of cervical transverse processes; not individually palpable.

Clinical

Stabilize adjacent cervical vertebrae; exceptionally rich in muscle spindles for fine proprioceptive cervical motor control.

Segmental innervation

Ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves, segmental per level (C2-C7).

In clinical practice

Ergonomic patient repositioning (log-roll technique in spinal trauma) and pressure offloading; maintain neutral spinal alignment in bedridden patients.

Region in the model

Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)