anatomy/erector-spinae·Muscle

Erector spinae

Musculus erector spinae

The two thick columns of muscle on either side of the spine. They keep the back upright and straight.

Fig. · Location in the body Left: location in the whole body. Right: close-up. Schematic, not to scale.

// Structure & location

The erector spinae is not a single muscle but a group of three long columns (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) reaching from the pelvis to the back of the skull. The columns are made of many shorter sections that each span a few vertebrae. In the lower back they are strongest and visible as two ridges beside the spine.

// Function

Contracting on both sides, they extend the spine and straighten the upper body. On one side they bend it sideways. Mostly, though, they work isometrically: they stop the back from rounding under load, for example when lifting or bending forward.

// For training & sport

In deadlifts and bent-over rows they keep the spine stable under heavy load.
Back extensions and good mornings train them more dynamically.
They also work isometrically throughout squats.

// Good to know

Underneath the erector spinae lie many small, deep muscles between the individual vertebrae that fine-tune posture.

// Sources

last reviewed: 2026-11-14

// More from the atlas: Muscles

Pectoralis major Deltoid Biceps Triceps Forearm muscles Rectus abdominis Obliques Serratus anterior Hip flexors Quadriceps Adductors Tibialis anterior Trapezius Latissimus dorsi Gluteus maximus Hamstrings Calves