Skip to content
Iliocostalis Lumborum Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action
Last Updated on
Muscle Anatomy of the Iliocostalis Lumborum
Origin: The iliolumbar fascia, the posterior medial lip of the iliac crest, the lateral crest of the sacrum, and the spinous processes of T11 to L5
Insertion: Inferior borders of the angles of the lower six or seven ribs
Actions: Extension and lateral flexion of the thoracic spine, extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine
Innervation: Dorsal primary rami of T11 to L5
Blood Supply: Intercostal and lumbar arteries
Muscle Anatomy: Iliocostalis Lumborum Actions
Primary Actions of the Iliocostalis Lumborum
1. Extension of the thoracic spine when acting bilaterally
Agonists:
- Iliocostalis cervicis
- Iliocostalis thoracis
- Longissimus cervicis
- Longissimus thoracis
- Spinalis thoracis
- Semispinalis cervicis
- Semispinalis thoracis
Antagonists:
- Rectus Abdominis
2. Lateral flexion of the thoracic spine when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
- Iliocostalis cervicis
- Iliocostalis thoracis
- Longissimus cervicis
- Longissimus thoracis
- External Oblique
- Internal Oblique
Antagonists: Same muscles on contralateral side
- Iliocostalis cervicis
- Iliocostalis thoracis
- Longissimus cervicis
- Longissimus thoracis
- External Oblique
- Internal Oblique
3. Extension of the lumbar spine when acting bilaterally
Agonists:
- Longissimus thoracis
- Spinalis thoracis
Antagonists:
- Rectus Abdominis
4. Lateral flexion of the lumbar spine when acting unilaterally
Agonists:
- Longissimus thoracis
- Psoas major
- Quadratus lumborum
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
Antagonists: Same muscles on contralateral side
- Longissimus thoracis
- Psoas major
- Quadratus lumborum
- External oblique
- Internal oblique
Information about cause and effect of Iliocostalis Lumborum pain:
Recommended Anatomy Books:
Anatomy Coloring Book
The Anatomy Coloring Book is one of the best study and reference books for beginning anatomy students. The diagrams are clearly labeled and allow you to see the relationship and placement of the various structures of the body. You will also be surprised how the act of coloring will help with recall. But this is not just a beginners book, it is also great for practitioners and therapists to have on hand to use with clients and patients to use as a visual reference.
Human Muscle Anatomy
The Trail Guide To The Body is another excellent book to help you learn the musculature of the human body. Though the book is geared toward massage therapists and physical therapist assistants, the book with its illustrations and text helps anyone gain a thorough understanding of the human musculoskeletal system and movement. I highly recommend this book for anyone studying anatomy and believe that MTs, PTAs, and teachers of body movements should have this book in their possession. I also highly recommend this book for the lay person who wants to gain understanding of the muscle, skeletal system and how our bodies move. This book will not disappoint!
Basic Clinical Massage Therapy
Out of the scores of books in my office Basic Clinical Massage Therapy is by far the most referenced book in my library. The musculoskeletal system is overlaid on human models allowing you to learn the precise location, origin and insertions of each muscle. The models are pictured in various poses throughout the book which also helps you visualize muscles in motion and their actions relationship with the skeletal structure and other muscles. Though it is written for massage therapists, it is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the muscular system. MT's will benefit from recommended treatments for each muscle.
Muscle Anatomy Flashcards
Musculoskeletal Anatomy Flashcards Are you a student or professional therapist who needs to brush up on the musculoskeletal system? Dr. Joseph E. Muscolino DC has developed a comprehensive set of flashcards that will help develop a mind's picture of exactly where the muscles lie under the skin. A highly recommended study aid for students. Great for non students who want an easy comprehensive anatomy guide.
Massage Therapist
Owner: thewellnessdigest.com
Twelve years of experience working with clients with chronic pain, post injury pain, and post surgery pain. Muscle dysfunction is often overlooked but can hold the key to many pain conditions.
