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Dissection of thoracic and lumbosacral regions of back from a posterior approach

Erector spinae muscle, general view

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Image #213-2
Bassett Image
Diagram Image
Legend Image
Dissection of thoracic and lumbosacral regions of back from a posterior approach
Erector spinae muscle, general view
The trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles have been preserved on the right side. These muscles have been removed on the left side and the left shoulder girdle has been pulled aside. The posterior serratus muscles have been cut away and the thoracolumbar fascia has been removed to display the left erector spinae muscles. The delicate, intrinsic fascia of the erector spinae has also been removed.
  1. Scapula (retracted laterally)
  2. Serratus posterior superior muscle (reflected)
  3. Serratys anterior muscle
  4. Fascia related to serratus anterior muscle
  5. External intercostal muscle
  6. Iliocostalis thoracis muscle
  7. Longissimus thoracis muscle
  8. Spinalis thoracis muscle (together 6, 7 and 8 make up the erector spinae muscle)
  9. Dorsal branch thoracic nerve X (lateral cutaneous branch)
  10. Rib XII
  11. Internal oblique muscle (reflected anteriorly)
  12. Thoracolumbar fascia (cut margin of layer which covered erector spinae)
  13. Spinous process vertebra Th. II
  14. Trapezius muscle
  15. Latissimus dorsi muscle
  16. Thoracolumbar fascia (intact)
  17. External oblique muscle
  18. Iliac crest