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Glite Dictionary
iliocostalis

iliocostalis

9.9
A muscle at the side of the spine that helps straighten and bend it
  • noun
  • /ˌɪliəˈkɒstəlɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : iliocostal
  • The iliocostalis muscle plays an important role in extending the spine during back exercises.
  • iliocostalis and longissimus

Examples

  • Weakness probably results from atrophy of the multifidi, iliocostalis, and longissimus muscles resulting from disuse, along with poor and abnormal neuromuscular recruitment of motor units (50).

    Academic text (1997)

  • The data are plotted separately for the m. longissimus (upper), m. iliocostalis (middle), and m. multifidus (lower) as well as for left- and right-sided muscle groups.

    Academic text (1997)

  • The electrodes are placed bilaterally to detect EMG signals from the longissimus thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum, and multifidus muscles (Figure 1).

    Academic text (1997)

  • When lifting weights, the iliocostalis helps stabilize the back and maintain proper posture.

  • Physical therapists often focus on strengthening the iliocostalis to improve spinal flexibility.

Surface Forms

iliocostalis singular
iliocostales plural

Morphology

iliocostalis = ilium + costal (opaque) = ilio + costal

The term is a technical anatomical compound of Latin combining forms ('ilio-' and 'costal') that are not familiar or productive for average learners, so the meaning is not derivable from common English vocabulary.

Etymology

Iliocostalis comes from the parts ilio- meaning 'hip' and costa meaning 'rib', so the name literally points to a muscle that runs from the hip to the ribs. That's why the iliocostalis helps straighten and bend the spine, because it connects those parts of the body.