Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7
Back · Trunk
The intertransversarii posteriores laterales cervicis are the lateral portion of the posterior cervical intertransverse muscles. Each slip passes from the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of one cervical vertebra to the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the vertebra above, lying lateral to its medial counterpart. Their side-to-side position along the transverse processes means that contraction laterally flexes the cervical spine toward the acting side, and across several levels they help stabilise adjacent vertebrae during movements of the neck. Unlike most deep intrinsic back muscles, this lateral set is innervated by the anterior (ventral) rami of the cervical spinal nerves, a consequence of its position ventral to the dorsal ramus territory.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra
Insertion
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the adjacent vertebra above
Action
Laterally flexes the cervical spine and stabilizes adjacent vertebrae
Nerve
Anterior (ventral) rami of cervical spinal nerves
Attachments explained
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra
Insertion
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the adjacent vertebra above
Action & function
When the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 contracts, it produces the following movement: Laterally flexes the cervical spine and stabilizes adjacent vertebrae.
As part of the Back group of the Trunk, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 receives its nerve supply from the Anterior (ventral) rami of cervical spinal nerves.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Anterior can weaken or paralyse the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7, impairing the movements it normally produces (laterally flexes the cervical spine and stabilizes adjacent vertebrae). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 (the OIANS method)
Fit this muscle into the cervical intertransverse trio by remembering the two-part posterior group: a lateral part and a medial part, both attaching to the posterior tubercles. Picture the lateral slip sitting further out along the transverse process, which explains why lateral flexion is its natural action alongside its stabilising duty between vertebrae.
The key discriminator is the nerve. Even though this belongs to the posterior group by attachment, the lateral part takes anterior (ventral) rami, grouping it with the anterior cervical intertransversarii for innervation. Pairing the lateral posterior slip with the anterior slip under the ventral ramus rule, and reserving the dorsal rami for the medial posterior slip, is the cleanest way to keep them straight.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 located?
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 is a muscle of the Back group, located in the Trunk.
What is the origin of the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7?
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra
What is the insertion of the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7?
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the adjacent vertebra above
What movements does the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 produce?
Laterally flexes the cervical spine and stabilizes adjacent vertebrae
What nerve supplies the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7?
Anterior (ventral) rami of cervical spinal nerves
Is the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 free to study in OIANS?
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7 is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Trunk is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
Study the Intertransversarii Posteriores Laterales Cervicis 1–7
Test yourself on Trunk muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.