Article reviewed and approved by Dr. Ibtissama Boukas, physician specializing in family medicine
The iliocostalis muscle is part of the erector muscles of the spine with the longissimus and the multifid.
It extends from transverse processes opportunities, vertebrae C4 to C7 (cervical portion), to the superior and inferior ribs (thoracic portion), to finally attach at the level of the iliac crest (lumbar portion).
Thin and thin in its upper part, it gradually increases in volume as it descends. The iliocostal muscle thus becomes wide and thick in its lower extremity (at its distal attachment).
Its main function is to help with extension movements of the spine (the action of leaning back), lateral tilt (leaning to the side) and rotation of the spine.
With the other erector muscles of the spine, it allows the maintenance of posture and the physiological curvature of the spine (cervical lordosis, dorsal kyphosis, lumbar lordosis).