Musculi intertransversarii caudae
The intertransversarii are short muscles that run between the transverse processes of neighboring vertebrae. They are present throughout the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal (tail) regions. Their main actions are small degrees of lateral flexion of individual spinal segments and contribution to proprioceptive feedback. In the neck (intertransversarii cervicis) they help with precise head and neck positioning. In the tail they allow fine side-to-side movements. They work with larger muscles such as the multifidus and longissimus to stabilize and control the spine. Innervation is segmental from the spinal nerves of the corresponding region.
Origin: Transverse process of one caudal vertebra
Insertion: Transverse process of the adjacent caudal vertebra
Action: Lateral flexion of the tail between individual segments
Innervation: Caudal (coccygeal) spinal nerves
Isolated injury is rare. Dysfunction is usually secondary to spinal pain, arthritis, or neurologic disease. Atrophy or asymmetry can be seen with chronic neck or back issues. These muscles are part of the deep stabilizer system.
## Overview Fractures of the caudal vertebrae disrupt the muscles that control tail movement. Effects include an abnormal bend, pain at a specific point, swelling, crepitus, and deviation at the frac
Stiffness or reduced ability to bend the neck or back one way may involve these deeper stabilizers. Have persistent asymmetry or reluctance to flex evaluated.
## Overview Fractures of the caudal vertebrae disrupt the muscles that control tail movement. Effects include an abnormal bend, pain at a specific point, swelling, crepitus, and deviation at the fracture site. Most heal with rest, though muscle function below the fracture may be temporarily reduced. ## Causes Tail pulling, catching in gates, or being sat on. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs. ## Treatment Rest and anti-inflammatories. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. Cosmetic deviation may persist. ## Prevention Avoid pulling the tail or allowing it to be trapped. Signs include: abnormal bend or angle; pain on palpation of a specific point; swelling; crepitus; deviation at the fracture site
Isolated injury is rare. Dysfunction is usually secondary to spinal pain, arthritis, or neurologic disease. Atrophy or asymmetry can be seen with chronic neck or back issues. These muscles are part of the deep stabilizer system.
Stiffness or reduced ability to bend the neck or back one way may involve these deeper stabilizers. Have persistent asymmetry or reluctance to flex evaluated.
See the Intertransversarii of the Tail on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model