Which muscles are listed as superficial muscles of the spine?

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

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is which muscles form the surface layer on the back around the spine. The most superficial back muscles are large, easily palpable ones that cover the upper and lower back and connect to the spine and shoulder region. Latissimus dorsi and trapezius are classic examples of these surface muscles. The rhomboids sit closer to the spine under the trapezius but are still considered part of that superficial-back region rather than deep core muscles. Gluteus maximus, while located in the buttocks, is a large superficial muscle of the posterior chain that interacts with the spine by stabilizing the pelvis and supporting hip extension, contributing to the overall surface anatomy around the spine.

In contrast, muscles like the spinal erectors belong to a deeper layer that lies beneath the most superficial muscles, and abdominal wall muscles (rectus abdominis, external obliques, internal obliques, and transversus abdominis) are not on the back surface at all. So the set that best fits the idea of superficial spine-associated muscles is the group consisting of latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, and gluteus maximus.