The rotatores spinae muscles are intrinsic muscles of the back located laterally along the spine, extending between the transverse and spinous processes of the vertebrae. Together with the multifidus muscles and semispinalis muscles, the rotatores are classified as the transversospinal muscles, and they are located in the deep layer of the deep back muscles.

The primary function of the rotatores is the rotation of the spine. However, they also stabilize and extend the spine. These muscles are present in all regions of the spine. They are known as the rotatores cervicis in the neck, rotatores thoracis in the thorax and rotatores lumborum in the lumbar region. The thoracic rotatores are the most developed, and other rotatores are sometimes absent.

Overall, each person has eleven pairs of rotatores thoracis. They can be subdivided into rotatores longi (long rotatores) and rotatores breves (short rotatores) based on the length of their muscle fibers.

Origin: transverse processes of the thoracic vertebrae.

Insertion: junctions of the spinous processes and laminae; these muscles extend to the spinous processes of the vertebrae; rotatores breves - laminae and spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae one level above the origin; rotatores longi - laminae and spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae two levels above the origin.

Action: bilateral contractions - extension of the thoracic spine; unilateral contractions - rotation of the thoracic spine to the opposite side (contralateral). These muscles also stabilize the thoracic spine.

Innervation: medial branches of the dorsal rami of the spinal nerves.

Blood supply: dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal arteries and lumbar arteries.

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Rotatores spinae muscles