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The ileal-rib muscle
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
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The ileal-rib muscle (m. Iliocostalis) is the most lateral part of the muscle that straightens the spine. This muscle begins on the iliac crest, the inner surface of the superficial lumbar pectoral fascia. Muscle bundles pass upward along the posterior surface of the ribs laterally from their corners to the transverse processes of the lower (VII-IV) cervical vertebrae. Accordingly, the arrangement of individual parts of the muscle is subdivided into the ileal-rib muscle of the waist, the ileal-rib muscle of the breast and the ileal-rib muscle of the neck.
The ilio-rib muscle of the waist (m. Iliocostalis lumborum) begins on the iliac crest, the inner side of the superficial plate of the lumbosacral fascia; is attached by separate flat tendons to the corners of the six lower ribs.
The iliac-rib muscle of the breast (m. Iliocostalis thoracis) begins on the six lower ribs, inward from the sites of attachment of the ilio-rib muscle of the waist; is attached to the six upper ribs in the region of their angles and to the posterior surface of the transverse process of the VII cervical vertebra.
The ileal-rib muscle of the neck (m. Iliocostalis cervicis) begins at the angles of the III, IV, V and VI ribs (inside the attachment of the iliac-rib muscle of the breast) and attaches to the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the VII-IV cervical vertebrae.
Function: iliac-rib muscle together with the rest of the muscle, straightening the spine, unbends the spine. When unilateral reduction tilts the spine in his direction, lowers the ribs. The lower tufts of this muscle, stretching and strengthening the ribs, create a support for the diaphragm.
Innervation: posterior branches of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal nerves (CIV-CIII).
Blood supply: posterior intercostal arteries, lumbar arteries.
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