| Thoracolumbar fascia | |
|---|---|
 Diagram of a transverse section of the posterior abdominal wall, to show the disposition of the lumbodorsal fascia. | |
 Superficial muscles of the back. The thoracolumbar fascia is the gray area at bottom center. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | fascia thoracolumbalis, fascia lumbodorsalis |
| TA98 | A04.3.02.501 |
| TA2 | 2242 |
| FMA | 25072 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thethoracolumbar fascia (lumbodorsal fascia orthoracodorsal fascia) is a complex,[1]: 1137 multilayer arrangement of fascial and aponeurotic layers forming a separation between the paraspinal muscles on one side, and the muscles of the posterior abdominal wall (quadratus lumborum, and psoas major[1]: 1137 ) on the other.[2][1]: 1137 It spans the length of theback, extending between the neck superiorly and the sacrum inferiorly.[3] It entails the fasciae and aponeuroses of thelatissimus dorsi muscle,serratus posterior inferior muscle,abdominal internal oblique muscle, andtransverse abdominal muscle.[4]
In the lumbar region, it is known aslumbar fascia and here consists of 3 layers (posterior, middle, and anterior) enclosing two muscular compartments. In the thoracic region, it consists of a single layer (an upward extension of the posterior layer of the lumbar fascia).[3] The thoracolumbar fascia is most prominent at its lower end[1]: 814–815 where its various layers fuse into a thick composite.[2]
In thethoracic region, the thoracolumbar fascia consists of a single layer - an upward extension of the posterior layer of the lumbar fascia, becoming progressively thinner before fading out above the 1st rib, replaced by the splenius muscle.[3]
In the thoracic region, it forms a thin fibrous fascial covering for extensor muscles associated with the spine, separating them from muscles interconnecting the spine and upper extremity.[1]: 814–815 Here it attaches to costal angles of all ribs, the spinous processes of all thoracic vertebrae, and the thoracic portion of the supraspinous ligament.[3] It is situated deep to theserratus posterior superior muscle. Superiorly, it terminates by becoming continuous with the superficial layer ofdeep cervical fascia of the posterior neck.[1]: 814–815
The thoracolumbar fascia is most prominent inferiorly - adjacent to the caudal lumbar spine, between the posterior superior iliac spines on either side - where its aponeurotic layers meld, forming a thickened sheet.[1]: 1137 The thickened, united inferior portion attaches firmly to the posterior superior iliac spine, and thesacrotuberous ligament.[2] The thoracolumbar fascia extends as far inferiorly as the two ischial tuberotities.[1]: 1137
The thoracolumbar fascia is thought to be involved in load transfer between the trunk and limb (it is tensioned by the action of the latissimus dorsi muscle, gluteus maximus muscle, and the hamstring muscles), and lifting.[1]: 814–815
It is endowed with nociceptive receptors, and may be involved in some forms of back pain.[1]: 814–815
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