During posterior surgical approach to the thoracic spine, the surgeon must understand the anatomy of the erector spinae. Which of the following correctly describes the three columns of the erector spinae from lateral to medial?

• A Spinalis, longissimus, iliocostalis
• B Iliocostalis, spinalis, longissalis
• C Longissimus, iliocostalis, spinalis
• D Iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis ✓

Explanation

The erespinae muscle group consists of three columns from lateral to medial: iliocostalis (lumborum, thoracis, cervicis), longissimus (thoracis, cervicis, capitis), and spinalis (thoracis, cervicis, capitis). All are innervated by posterior rami of spinal nerves. Spinalis is the most medial and is often poorly developed. This arrangement is clinically relevant in surgical approaches and understanding back muscle function.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.