Trunk (thorax, abdomen, back)
Thoracolumbar Fascia, Cervicothoracic Part
Fascia thoracolumbalis, pars cervicothoracica
- Origin
- Cranial continuation of the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia, from the lower thoracic vertebrae up into the cervical region
- Insertion
- Merges in the neck with the nuchal fascia, covering the erector spinae muscle at the level of the thoracic spine along the way
- Function
- Envelops the back extensors (erector spinae) at the level of the thoracic spine and forms the anatomical link between the lumbar thoracolumbar fascia and the nuchal fascia of the neck
- Innervation
- No independent motor innervation (connective tissue structure, not contractile tissue)
- Movement & chain
- Transmits load between trapezius, rhomboids, and thoracic spine during shoulder girdle motion.
- Palpation
- Palpable as a firm fascial sheet across the upper thoracic erector spinae between the scapulae and spine.
- Clinical
- Transfers loads between the shoulder girdle (latissimus dorsi, trapezius) and spine; frequent site of myofascial pain syndromes.
- Segmental innervation
- C6–T8 (posterior rami of spinal nerves)
- 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)