Topics

Topic

design image
Intertransversarii muscle

The intertransversarii muscles are small, paired, segmental muscles located along the vertebral column, connecting adjacent transverse processes of the vertebrae. They are present in the cervical, thoracic (rudimentary), and lumbar regions, with the cervical and lumbar segments being most developed.

These muscles are part of the intrinsic muscles of the back and play a key role in fine spinal movements and stabilization. In the cervical region, they are important for lateral flexion of the neck, while in the lumbar region, they contribute to lateral flexion of the trunk and postural control. They work synergistically with larger paraspinal muscles such as the multifidus and erector spinae.

Intertransversarii are clinically significant in the context of spinal injuries, degenerative spine disease, and chronic back pain, as well as being relevant landmarks in advanced spinal imaging.

Synonyms

  • Musculi intertransversarii

  • Intertransverse muscles

  • Segmental paraspinal stabilizers

Function

  • Facilitate lateral flexion of the spine (cervical and lumbar regions)

  • Act as postural stabilizers, preventing excessive motion between adjacent vertebrae

  • Provide segmental proprioception, aiding spinal reflexes and fine motor control

  • Assist larger paraspinal muscles in maintaining spinal alignment

Nerve Supply

  • Cervical intertransversarii: supplied by ventral rami of cervical spinal nerves (with contributions from dorsal rami in some regions)

  • Lumbar intertransversarii: supplied by both ventral and dorsal rami of lumbar spinal nerves

Arterial Supply

  • Cervical region: branches of the vertebral artery and ascending cervical artery

  • Thoracic region: intercostal arteries

  • Lumbar region: lumbar arteries (branches of abdominal aorta)

Venous Drainage

  • Drains into accompanying venous plexuses:

    • Cervical venous plexus → vertebral veins

    • Intercostal veins (thoracic region)

    • Lumbar veins → ascending lumbar vein → azygos system

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • Normal intertransversarii appear as intermediate signal muscle tissue between adjacent transverse processes

  • Fat planes between muscle fibers and bone appear hyperintense

T2-weighted images:

  • Normal muscle appears as intermediate-to-low signal

  • Pathology (strain, edema, or degeneration) appears hyperintense

STIR:

  • Suppresses fat, making muscle edema, inflammation, or strain conspicuous as hyperintense

  • Useful for detecting micro-injuries or degenerative changes

T1 Fat-Saturated (Pre-contrast):

  • Muscles appear intermediate signal, well-differentiated from suppressed fat planes around transverse processes

T1 Fat-Saturated Post-Contrast (Gadolinium):

  • Normal muscle enhances mildly and homogeneously

  • Pathologic muscle (myositis, infection, neoplasm) shows abnormal heterogeneous enhancement

MRI Non-Contrast 3D Imaging:

  • Allows multiplanar reconstruction to demonstrate segmental distribution of intertransversarii along the vertebral column

  • Useful in scoliosis, spine trauma, and surgical planning

CT Appearance

CT Pre-Contrast:

  • Muscles appear as soft-tissue density between transverse processes

  • Limited ability to distinguish detail without contrast

CT Post-Contrast:

  • Normal muscles enhance mildly and uniformly

  • Better visualization of surrounding structures and pathologies (abscess, tumor infiltration, hematoma)

  • 3D reconstructions show muscle attachment to transverse processes

MRI image

Intertransversarii muscle MRI coronal image anatomy image -img-00000-00000

CT image

Intertransversarii muscle CT image

MRI image

Intertransversarii muscle