Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Posterior Cervical Intertransversarii

Musculi intertransversarii posteriores cervicis

Origin

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

Insertion

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

Function

Unilaterally: lateral flexion of the cervical spine. Bilaterally: segmental stabilization

Innervation

Dorsal rami of the cervical spinal nerves

Movement & chain

Acts as the counterpart of the anterior intertransversarii and, together with the scalenes and the deep neck extensors, contributes to controlled lateral neck movements.

Palpation

Deep between posterior tubercles of cervical transverse processes; not individually palpable.

Clinical

Assist lateral cervical flexion and provide constant proprioceptive feedback during head-eye coordination.

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)