Superifcial Back Muscles Flashcards
Where are the superficial back muscles?
Under skin and superficial fascia. Originate from vertebral column and attach to bones of shoulder (clavicle, scapula and humerus)
Superficial Muscles
Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and rhomboids
Trapezius
Most superficial of back muscles
Broad, flat, triangular muscle
Attachments of trapezius
Originates from skull, ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7-T12
Fibres attach to clavicle, acromion and scapula spine
Innervation of trapezius
Motor innervation from accessory nerve
Receives proprioceptor fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves
Actions of trapezius
Upper fibres elevate scapula and rotates it during abduction of arm
Middle fibres retract scapula and lower fibres pull scapula inferiorly
Latissimus dorsi
Originates from lower part of back, covers wide area
Attachments of latissimus dorsi
Broad origin, arises from spinous process of T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest and inferior 3 ribs
Fibres converge into a tendon that attaches to intertubercular sulcus of humerus
Innervation of latissimus dorsi
Thoracodorsal nerve
Actions of latissimus dorsi
Extends, abducts and medially rotates the upper limb
Levator scapulae
Small strap like muscle beginning in neck and descends to attach to the scapula
Attachments of levator scapulae
Originates from transverse processes of C1-C4 vertebrae and attaches to medial border of scapula
Innervation of levator scapulae
Dorsal scapular nerve
Action of levator scapulae
Elevates scapula
Rhomboids
Major and minor rhomboid muscle