Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Interspinales Cervicis

Musculi interspinales cervicis

Origin

Spinous process of a cervical vertebra (C2-C6)

Insertion

Spinous process of the cervical vertebra above (C3-C7)

Function

Extension and segmental stabilization of the cervical spine

Innervation

Dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves

Movement & chain

Small, proprioceptively rich muscles that mainly contribute to fine control and segmental control, not to substantial force generation.

Palpation

Paired between adjacent bifid spinous processes of C2–C7; palpable on deep midline cervical palpation.

Clinical

Fine-tune cervical extension and posture; acutely tender following cervical hyperflexion (whiplash injury).

Segmental innervation

Dorsal rami C3-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)