The cervical interspinales are thin paired muscles between adjacent cervical spinous processes, providing segmental extension stabilisation. Better developed in the cervical than thoracic spine.
| Origin | Superior surface of each cervical spinous process (C2-C7) |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Inferior surface of the spinous process immediately above |
| Nerve Supply | Dorsal rami of cervical spinal nerves |
| Blood Supply | Vertebral artery branches |
| Actions |
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|---|
They assist extension of the neck between adjacent vertebrae and are thought to act mainly as position sensors.
Injured in hyperflexion cervical trauma (flexion-distraction injury) where the posterior tension band is disrupted. Identified during posterior cervical surgery as the most superficial deep muscle layer.
Not palpable individually.
Posterior interspinales tearing producing interspinous widening on lateral X-ray and cervical instability.
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