thoracolumbar fascia


tho·ra·co·lum·bar fas·ci·a

[TA] broad central ensheathing aponeurosis of the back; gives origin to internal oblique, transversus abdominis, and part of the latissimus dorsi muscles; exhibits three layers: posterior, middle, and anterior-the posterior and middle layers surround the erector spinae muscles and the middle and anterior layers surround the quadratus lumborum muscle. Synonym(s): fascia thoracolumbalis [TA], lumbodorsal fascia, thoracolumbar aponeurosis

tho·ra·co·lum·bar fas·ci·a

(thōr'ă-kō-lŭm'bahr fash'ē-ă) [TA] The fascia that covers the deep muscles of the back; it is attached to the angles of the ribs and to the spines of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae, to the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, to the lower border of the twelfth rib and to the iliac crest, as well as to the lumbocostal, iliolumbar, intertransverse, and supraspinous ligaments.

thoracolumbar fascia

The fascia and aponeuroses of the latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior inferior, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis muscles. They provide support and stability for the lumbar spine in postural and lifting activities. The fascia attaches medially to the spinous processes of the vertebral column and inferiorly to the iliac crest and sacrum. Synonym: lumbodorsal fasciaSee also: fascia