Iliocostalis cervicis is the highest component of the iliocostalis column, bridging the upper ribs to the lower cervical transverse processes. It links thoracic and cervical movement in the lateral erector spinae column.
| Origin | Angles of ribs 3-6 |
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| Insertion | Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C4-C6 |
| Nerve Supply | Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Posterior intercostal and ascending cervical arteries |
| Actions | Extends the cervical spine; Ipsilateral lateral flexion; The cervical component of the iliocostalis — the most lateral column of the erector spinae |
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Iliocostalis cervicis is part of the lateral paraspinal muscle complex at the cervicothoracic junction, relevant in surgical approaches to the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine. Its contracture contributes to the lateral translatory component of cervical postural deformity.
Palpated as the lateral paraspinal muscle mass at the cervicothoracic junction during resisted cervical extension.
Asymmetric iliocostalis cervicis tension contributing to the lateral translatory component of cervical scoliosis and cervicothoracic junction deformity.
