Which muscles are listed as superficial spine muscles?

• A. Spinal erectors: iliocostalis, longissismus, spinalis
• B. Rectus abdominis and external obliques
• C. Transversus abdominis and internal obliques
• D. Latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, gluteus maximus

Answer: (D)

Understanding which muscles sit closest to the surface on the back helps distinguish superficial spine muscles from deeper or non-spinal groups. The muscles listed—latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, and gluteus maximus—form the outer layer of the posterior chain. They are large, surface-level muscles that cover and stabilize the back and shoulder region, contributing to movements of the shoulder girdle and hip as part of the superficial musculature near the spine. In contrast, the spinal erectors (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) run along the spine as deeper, intrinsic back muscles that primarily support and extend the spine. Abdominal muscles like the rectus abdominis, external obliques, transversus abdominis, and internal obliques are located anteriorly or deeper in the core. Because the question targets superficial spine muscles, the best choice includes those surface-level back and posterior-chain muscles, such as latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, and gluteus maximus.