Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)

Rotatores Breves

Musculi rotatores breves

Origin

Transverse process of a vertebra

Insertion

Lamina of the vertebra immediately above (one segment)

Function

Fine segmental rotation and, above all, proprioceptive control of the spine

Innervation

Dorsal rami of the spinal nerves at that level

Movement & chain

Most developed in the thoracic spine; functions primarily as a sensor for vertebral position and movement, with a subordinate mechanical contribution to rotation

Palpation

Deepest muscle in the groove between transverse process and the spinous process one level above; not manually isolatable.

Clinical

Function primarily as active 'kinesiological sensors' rich in spindles for segmental spinal proprioception rather than gross movers.

Segmental innervation

Dorsal rami T1-T12

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)