Musculi intertransversarii
Small segmental muscles connecting adjacent transverse processes throughout the spine. Provide fine lateral flexion and proprioceptive feedback. Part of the deep stabilization system critical for balance and coordination.
Origin: Transverse process of one vertebra
Insertion: Transverse process of the adjacent vertebra
Action: Lateral flexion of individual spinal segments; proprioceptive stabilization
Innervation: Dorsal and ventral branches of spinal nerves (segmental)
Atrophy or dysfunction of these muscles impairs spinal segmental stability and proprioception, contributing to stiffness and incoordination.
Atrophy or dysfunction of these muscles impairs spinal segmental stability and proprioception, contributing to stiffness and incoordination. Signs include: Generalized back stiffness; poor lateral flexibility; subtle incoordination; difficulty with precise lateral movements; stiffness worse when cold; may improve with targeted mobilization exercises.
See the Intertransversarii on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model