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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Trunk Muscles Quiz: Identify Anterior & Posterior Groups

Think you can label muscles of the anterior trunk and name posterior muscles of the trunk? Let's go!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a trunk muscles quiz on a sky blue background

This quiz helps you identify posterior trunk muscles and recall what they do. Work through quick items on trapezius, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, and more to spot strengths and close gaps before your exam or lab. For extra practice, try the full trunk set or a short back review.

Which muscle is most superficial covering the upper back and neck?
Trapezius
Rhomboid major
Latissimus dorsi
Levator scapulae
The trapezius is the large superficial muscle spanning the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It elevates, retracts, and rotates the scapula. No other muscle covers as much surface area in this region.
The latissimus dorsi primarily performs which movement at the shoulder?
Lateral rotation
Flexion
Extension
Abduction
Latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the humerus. Among these, shoulder extension is its primary action. It's often called the 'swimmer's muscle' for its role in pulling motions.
Which muscle originates from the spinous processes of T2 to T5 and inserts on the medial border of the scapula?
Rhomboid major
Teres major
Latissimus dorsi
Rhomboid minor
Rhomboid major arises from T2 - T5 spinous processes and inserts on the scapula's medial border, retracting and downwardly rotating it. Rhomboid minor lies above and spans C7 - T1. This makes rhomboid major the correct answer.
Which muscle elevates the scapula and attaches to the transverse processes of C1 to C4?
Serratus anterior
Levator scapulae
Rhomboid major
Trapezius
Levator scapulae originates from C1 - C4 transverse processes and elevates the scapula. It also assists in downward rotation. Trapezius also elevates but has different attachments.
Which anterior trunk muscle is commonly referred to as the 'six-pack'?
External oblique
Internal oblique
Rectus abdominis
Transversus abdominis
Rectus abdominis runs vertically along the anterior abdominal wall and is segmented by tendinous intersections, giving the 'six-pack' appearance. Other muscles lie deeper or laterally.
Which muscle group runs longitudinally along the spine and is the main extensor of the vertebral column?
Erector spinae
Transversospinalis
Latissimus dorsi
Quadratus lumborum
The erector spinae, comprised of iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis, extends the spine and maintains posture. Transversospinalis is deeper and has different functions.
Which muscle of the erector spinae group originates from the iliac crest and angles of ribs?
Multifidus
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Spinalis
Iliocostalis arises from the iliac crest and angles of ribs to transverse processes above. Longissimus and spinalis have different attachments. Multifidus is in the transversospinalis group.
Which muscle wraps around the thorax, attaching to ribs and protracts the scapula?
Serratus posterior superior
Latissimus dorsi
Serratus anterior
Subscapularis
Serratus anterior attaches from ribs 1 - 8 to the scapula's medial border, protracting and upwardly rotating it. Serratus posterior muscles attach to the spine and ribs but serve respiration.
Which layer of back muscles does multifidus belong to?
Superficial intrinsic
Deep intrinsic
Superficial extrinsic
Intermediate extrinsic
Multifidus is part of the deep intrinsic (transversospinalis) back muscles, lying beneath the erector spinae. It stabilizes vertebrae during motion. Extrinsic muscles are involved with limb movements.
Which of the following is NOT part of the erector spinae group?
Transversospinalis
Spinalis
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Erector spinae consists of iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis. Transversospinalis is a distinct group of deep intrinsic muscles (including multifidus and rotatores).
Which muscle attaches to the 12th rib and transverse processes of L1 to L4 vertebrae?
Serratus posterior inferior
Quadratus lumborum
Iliocostalis thoracis
Latissimus dorsi
Quadratus lumborum extends from the iliac crest to the 12th rib and lumbar transverse processes. It stabilizes the 12th rib and laterally bends the trunk. Serratus posterior inferior attaches from T11 - L2 spinous processes to ribs 9 - 12.
Which part of the trapezius originates from the spinous processes of T1 to T4?
All fibers
Lower fibers
Middle fibers
Upper fibers
Middle trapezius fibers originate from T1 - T4 spinous processes and insert on the acromion and spine of scapula, retracting it. Upper fibers come from the skull/C7 and lower fibers from T5 - T12.
The serratus posterior muscles are classified as which group?
Deep extrinsic muscles
Superficial intrinsic muscles
Deep intrinsic muscles
Intermediate extrinsic back muscles
Serratus posterior superior and inferior are intermediate extrinsic back muscles involved in respiration. They lie between the superficial limb-associated muscles and the deep intrinsic spine muscles.
Which nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi?
Dorsal scapular nerve
Thoracodorsal nerve
Spinal accessory nerve
Long thoracic nerve
The thoracodorsal nerve (from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, C6 - C8) innervates latissimus dorsi. Dorsal scapular nerve supplies rhomboids and levator scapulae.
Which intrinsic back muscles are primarily responsible for contralateral rotation of the vertebral column?
Rotatores
Iliocostalis
Erector spinae
Longissimus
Rotatores span one or two vertebrae and contribute to contralateral rotation and proprioception. Longissimus and iliocostalis largely extend and laterally flex the spine.
Which muscle spans from spinous processes T11 to L2 and inserts on ribs 9 to 12 to aid forced expiration?
Serratus posterior superior
Latissimus dorsi
Serratus posterior inferior
Iliocostalis lumborum
Serratus posterior inferior arises from T11 - L2 spinous processes and inserts on ribs 9 - 12, pulling them down during forced expiration. Serratus posterior superior elevates ribs for inspiration.
Which deep intrinsic back muscle originates from the sacrum and PSIS and inserts onto spinous processes spanning 2 - 4 vertebrae?
Multifidus
Rotatores
Iliocostalis
Longissimus
Multifidus originates from sacrum, PSIS, and transverse processes, inserting on spinous processes 2 - 4 levels above. It stabilizes vertebrae during spinal movements.
Which muscle elevates ribs 2 through 5 during deep inspiration?
Serratus posterior superior
Levator costarum
Serratus posterior inferior
Scalenes
Serratus posterior superior attaches to spinous processes of C7 - T3 and ribs 2 - 5, elevating them for deep inspiration. Serratus posterior inferior depresses lower ribs.
Which nerve innervates rhomboid major?
Long thoracic nerve
Spinal accessory nerve
Thoracodorsal nerve
Dorsal scapular nerve
Rhomboid major is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve (C4 - C5) from the brachial plexus. The spinal accessory nerve supplies trapezius.
What connective tissue structure separates intrinsic back muscles from superficial extrinsic muscles?
Flexor retinaculum
Linea alba
Thoracolumbar fascia
Serratus sheath
The thoracolumbar fascia is a thick connective tissue sheet dividing intrinsic back muscles from more superficial layers. It provides attachment for several muscles.
Which arteries provide the segmental blood supply to the intrinsic back muscles?
Subclavian arteries
Superior epigastric arteries
Posterior intercostal arteries
Internal thoracic arteries
Intrinsic back muscles receive segmental blood from the posterior intercostal arteries in the thoracic region, and lumbar arteries in the lumbar region. These vessels run between muscle layers.
Which fibers of trapezius depress the scapula and assist in upward rotation?
All fibers equally
Upper fibers
Middle fibers
Lower fibers
Lower trapezius fibers originate from T5 - T12 and insert on scapular spine, pulling the scapula down and aiding upward rotation. Upper fibers elevate, and middle fibers retract.
Which muscle is part of the transversospinalis group?
Latissimus dorsi
Semispinalis
Iliocostalis
Serratus posterior superior
Semispinalis, multifidus, and rotatores comprise the transversospinalis group, aligning between transverse and spinous processes. Iliocostalis belongs to the erector spinae group.
Which spinal nerve roots form the thoracodorsal nerve that innervates latissimus dorsi?
C6 - C8
C7 - T1
C5 - C7
C3 - C5
The thoracodorsal nerve arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus carrying fibers from C6 - C8. It exclusively innervates latissimus dorsi.
Which nerve roots innervate the quadratus lumborum muscle?
T11 - L3 ventral rami
T12 - L2 dorsal rami
Dorsal rami of L1 - L4
T12 - L4 ventral rami
Quadratus lumborum is innervated by the ventral rami of T12 - L4 spinal nerves, providing thoracolumbar stability and lateral flexion.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify posterior trunk muscles -

    After completing the quiz, you will be able to recognize and name the major posterior trunk muscles, such as the latissimus dorsi and erector spinae, using clear anatomical landmarks.

  2. Label muscles of the anterior trunk -

    You will accurately locate and label key muscles of the anterior trunk, including the rectus abdominis and external oblique, on detailed diagrams.

  3. Differentiate between trunk muscles anterior and posterior -

    You will distinguish the anatomical positions and distinguishing characteristics of anterior versus posterior muscles of the trunk to reinforce your understanding.

  4. Analyze trunk muscle functions -

    You will understand the primary actions - such as extension, rotation, and flexion - performed by both posterior and muscles of the anterior trunk during movement and stabilization.

  5. Apply anatomical knowledge in diagrams -

    You will confidently label posterior muscles of the trunk and trunk muscles anterior on interactive anatomy charts and quizzes.

  6. Evaluate muscle interactions in posture -

    You will assess how posterior trunk muscles work in concert with anterior muscle groups to maintain posture and support dynamic movements.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Erector Spinae Muscle Group -

    The erector spinae consists of iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis fibers running longitudinally along the vertebral column. Use the mnemonic "I Love Spines" to recall the order from lateral to medial. This group is the primary extensor of the trunk and maintains upright posture (Gray's Anatomy; Journal of Clinical Anatomy).

  2. Latissimus Dorsi Function & Origin -

    Originating from the spinous processes of T7 - L5, iliac crest, and thoracolumbar fascia, the latissimus dorsi inserts into the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus. It powerfully adducts, extends, and internally rotates the humerus, earning the nickname "swimmer's muscle." Remember "ladder muscle" to visualize its broad posterior trunk coverage (Netter's Atlas; American Journal of Physical Medicine).

  3. Trapezius Fiber Divisions -

    The trapezius has three functional regions: upper fibers elevate the scapula, middle fibers retract it, and lower fibers depress it. Innervated by the accessory nerve (CN XI), this posterior trunk muscle also assists in head extension. Visualize a kite shape on the upper back to recall its triangular regions (Gray's Anatomy; Neuroscience Letters).

  4. Serratus Posterior Superior & Inferior -

    The serratus posterior superior elevates ribs 2 - 5 during inhalation, while the serratus posterior inferior depresses ribs 9 - 12 during exhalation. These thin, flat muscles of the posterior trunk aid respiratory mechanics and stabilize the rib cage. Think "SPS up" and "SPI down" to remember their actions (Journal of Anatomy; Respiratory Medicine Journal).

  5. Anterior vs. Posterior Trunk Muscles Balance -

    Muscles of the anterior trunk, like the rectus abdominis and external oblique, flex and rotate the spine, opposing the extensor action of posterior muscles. Maintaining strength balance - ideally a 1:1 ratio - prevents postural imbalances and lower back pain. Use "ABS oppose BACKS" as a simple mnemonic for synergistic core stability (American College of Sports Medicine; Spine Journal).

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