Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)
Multifidus, Cervical Part
Musculus multifidus (pars cervicis)
- Origin
- Articular processes of the lower cervical vertebrae (C4-C7)
- Insertion
- Spinous processes 2 to 4 vertebrae higher, up to the axis (C2)
- Function
- Segmental stabilization and fine extension/rotation of the cervical spine
- Innervation
- Dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves
- Movement & chain
- Works, like the lumbar multifidus, via feedforward activation together with the deep neck flexors for segmental control before gross neck movements occur.
- Palpation
- Deep adjacent to the cervical laminae and spinous processes; palpable upon deep parasternal/paramedian neck palpation.
- Clinical
- Crucial segmental cervical stabilizer; localized atrophy and fatty infiltration are hallmarks of chronic neck pain and whiplash associated disorders.
- Segmental innervation
- Dorsal rami 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)