: multifidi) muscle consists of a number of fleshy and tendinous fasciculi, which fill up the groove on either side of the spinous processes of the vertebrae, from the sacrum to the axis.

While very thin, the multifidus muscle plays an important role in stabilizing the joints within the spine.

The stiffness and stability makes each vertebra work more effectively, and reduces the degeneration of the joint structures caused by friction from normal physical activity.

These fasciculi arise: Each fasciculus, passing obliquely upward and medially, is inserted into the whole length of the spinous process of one of the vertebræ above.

[3] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 400 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)