Longissimus
Musculus longissimus
MuscularDeep musclesWhole bodyLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Intermediate and longest column of the erector spinae, from the sacrum and lumbar transverse processes up via the thoracic and cervical transverse processes to the mastoid process (longissimus capitis).
- Function
- Extends the vertebral column and head; acting on one side it bends them to that side and turns the head to that side.
- Size
- About 70 cm long.
- Clinical note
- It forms most of the rounded paraspinal bulge either side of the lumbar spine.