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Iliocostalis cervicis muscle

The Iliocostalis cervicis muscle is a slender, flat muscle of the deep back, forming part of the erector spinae group. Situated laterally in the neck, it plays a crucial role in stabilizing and extending the cervical spine. Clinically significant in neck pain and spinal pathologies, its imaging features aid in diagnosis of muscle injury, atrophy, or inflammatory changes.

Synonyms:

  • Iliocostalis colli

  • Cervical iliocostalis

  • Cervical part of iliocostalis

Function:

  • Extension of the cervical spine

  • Lateral flexion of the neck (acting unilaterally)

  • Assists in maintaining posture

Origin:

  • Angles of the 3rd to 6th ribs

Insertion:

  • Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the 4th to 6th cervical vertebrae (C4–C6)

Nerve Supply:

  • Dorsal rami of the lower cervical and upper thoracic spinal nerves

Arterial Supply:

  • Deep cervical artery (branch of the costocervical trunk)

  • Posterior intercostal arteries

Venous Drainage:

  • Corresponding veins follow the arteries:

    • Deep cervical vein

    • Posterior intercostal veins

MRI Appearance:

  • T1-weighted:

    • Intermediate to low signal intensity compared to surrounding fat

  • T2-weighted:

    • Intermediate signal; acute pathology (e.g., edema, inflammation) may show hyperintensity

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • High signal in cases of edema, muscle injury, or inflammation; otherwise iso- to low signal in healthy muscle

CT Appearance:

  • Appears as a soft tissue structure lateral to the cervical vertebrae

  • Homogeneous density, distinguishable from adjacent fat and bone

MRI images

Iliocostalis cervicis muscle mri axial image