Muscles of the back Flashcards
Trapezius
-Quite a big muscle
-It has a descending, transverse and ascending portion
-Helps elevate the scapula
-Extend the neck
-Retract the scapula
Levator scapulae
-Helps elevate the scapula
Infraspinatus
-Helps to laterally/externally rotate at the shoulder joint
Teres minor
-Helps to laterally/externally rotate at the shoulder joint
Teres major
3 functions;
-Extend the whole arm at the shoulder joint
-Adduction at the shoulder joint
-Medially rotate the shoulder
Latissimus dorsi
3 functions (same as the teres major);
-Extend at the shoulder joint
-Adduction at the shoulder joint
-Medially rotate the shoulder
Rhomboids (Rhomboids major and minor)
-They both retract the scapula (pull it back)
Splenius
-Splenius capitis (attaches to the head)
-Splenius cervicis
They contract bilaterally (at the same time) resulting in head and neck extension
When contracting unilaterally this results in rotation
Erector spinae
3 groups of them;
1) Spinalis runs down the midline
2) Longissimus is between spinalis and iliocostalis
3) Iliocostalis
-These muscles’ function is to extend the vertebral column and neck
-They are antagonists to the abdominal wall muscles
-They are synergists with the trapezius
-Help with posture
Transversospinalis
3 groups of them;
-Semispinalis
-Rotatores
Multifidus
They help to maintain posture
Serratus posterior inferior
-This muscle wraps around the erector spinae
Thoracolumbar fascia
-It is a connective tissue
-Good origin for the latissimus dorsi
Quadratus lumborum
-Helps extend the lower back
-Fixates the ribs
Supraspinatus
-Sits inside the supraspinous fossa
-Helps with abduction/pulling the humerus away from the shoulder joint
Superficial back muscles
Support and move the upper limb;
-Trapezius
-Levator scapulae
-Rhomboid minor + major
-Latissiumus dorsi
Deep back muscles
Support and move the vertebral column
-Splenius
-Erector spinae
-Transversospinalis
-Suboccipital muscles
