Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7
Back · Trunk
The intertransversarii posteriores mediales cervicis are the medial portion of the posterior cervical intertransverse muscles. Each fascicle runs 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 medial to its lateral partner. Being placed lateral to the vertebral bodies, they laterally flex the cervical spine to the same side and provide segmental stabilisation between adjacent vertebrae. Distinctively, this medial set is supplied by the posterior (dorsal) rami of the cervical spinal nerves, aligning it with the general innervation pattern of the deep intrinsic back muscles.
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
Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical spinal nerves
Attachments explained
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales 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 Mediales 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 Mediales Cervicis 1–7 receives its nerve supply from the Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical spinal nerves.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Posterior can weaken or paralyse the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales 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 Mediales Cervicis 1–7 (the OIANS method)
Learn this muscle in direct contrast with the lateral posterior slip that lies next to it. Both attach to the posterior tubercles and both laterally flex the neck, so attachment and action will not tell them apart. The one feature that separates them is innervation, which makes it the fact worth emphasising for this muscle.
Fix the rule that the medial posterior cervical intertransversarii are the deep-back exception among the cervical intertransverse group, taking posterior (dorsal) rami like the interspinales and rotatores. If you can recall that only the medial posterior part sits in true dorsal ramus territory while its neighbours take ventral rami, you have mastered the trickiest detail of this region.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7 located?
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7 is a muscle of the Back group, located in the Trunk.
What is the origin of the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7?
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of a cervical vertebra
What is the insertion of the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7?
Posterior tubercle of the transverse process of the adjacent vertebra above
What movements does the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7 produce?
Laterally flexes the cervical spine and stabilizes adjacent vertebrae
What nerve supplies the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7?
Posterior (dorsal) rami of cervical spinal nerves
Is the Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales Cervicis 1–7 free to study in OIANS?
The Intertransversarii Posteriores Mediales 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 Mediales 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.