Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Muscles and Fasciae of the Trunk
Fasciae of the Back

Three fasciae are distinguished on the back: the superficial Fascia of the back, the thoracolumbar fascia, and the nuchal fascia.

The superficial fascia of the back (fascia superficialis dorsi) is a continuation of the general superficial fascia of the body. It covers the SUPERFICIAL Muscles OF the back.

The thoracolumbar fascia (fascia thoracolumbalis) consists of two layers: superficial (posterior) and deep (anterior). It covers and ensheaths the erector spinae Muscle. The superficial layer originates from the spinous processes, while the deep layer arises from the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae. Along the lateral border of the erector spinae muscle, both layers fuse and attach inferiorly to the iliac crest, and superiorly to the angles of the Ribs. Individual bundles of the latissimus dorsi and the serratus posterior inferior muscles originate from the Superficial layer of the thoracolumbar fascia. The transversus abdominis muscle arises from the deep layer and the site of its fusion with the superficial layer of this fascia.

The nuchal fascia (fascia nuchae) is located in the nuchal region between the superficial and deep muscle layers. Superiorly, it fuses with the superior nuchal line of the Occipital bone, medially with the nuchal ligament, and laterally continues into the superficial layer of the Cervical fascia.



Last update: 08/08/2026

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