Discovering your back muscles

The back muscles

Muscle is a remarkable tissue composed of fibers capable of contracting to produce movement, but its role goes far beyond locomotion.

Muscles contribute to essential body functions such as:

• Respiration
• Digestion
• Postural control and adaptation to the environment

In the back, we can identify three main anatomical layers:

• Superficial layer 
• Intermediate layer 
• Deep layer

The different layers

The superficial muscles are the most visible and the easiest to palpate. They are primarily responsible for the movements of the shoulders and arms.

The intermediate layer is mainly composed of the spinal muscles. These muscles form the largest dorsal muscle mass and are essential for voluntary straightening and lateral bending of the spine.

The deep muscles  are  essential for maintaining posture and stabilizing the spine.

Conclusion

The back is a dynamic, multi-functional system.

Understanding muscles layers is key in spine surgery, it guides the design of tailored medical devices and improves patient rehabilitation.