Vertebral column: muscles of the back Flashcards
what are the 2 divisions of the extrinsic muscles of the back
superficial and intermediate extrinsic muscles
what is the function of the superficial extrinsic muscles of the back
connect to appendicular skeleton
what is the function of the intermediate extrinsic muscles of the back
secondary/superficial respiratory muscles
what are the 5 superficial extrinsic muscles
trapezius latissimus dorsi rhomboid major rhomboid minor levator scapulae
what nerve innervates trapezius
spinal accessory nerve (CN XI)
describe the attachments of trapezius
very broad - starts at base of skull on medial 1/3 of superior nuchal line, continues down in cervical region along nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7-T12. Fibres then converge as they travel laterally to attach to lateral clavicle, acromium of scapula and longer attachment along length of spine of scapula
what are the attachments of trapezius
medial 1/3 nuchal line, nuchal ligament, spinous processes C7-T12
–> lateral clavicle, acromium and spine of scapula
what is the function of trapezius when it acts as a whole
rotate scapula so that the glenoid cavity will point more superiorly allowing a greater degree of abduction of upper limb
what is another function of the trapezius
retract scapula (particularly the central fibres) pulling it closer to midline
what nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi
thoracodorsal nerve (C6-8) from brachial plexus
describe the attachments of latissimus dorsi
very broad - spinous processes of T7-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, lower 3/4 ribs
fibres then converge as they head to distal attachment - pass onto anterolateral aspect of humerus by passing medial to humerus then wrapping around in order to reach insertion point on bicipital groove of humerus
what are the attachments of latissimus dorsi
spinous processes T7-T12 thoracolumbar fascia iliac crest lower 3/4 ribs edge of bicipital groove of humerus
what is the function of latissimus dorsi
powerful extensor of shoulder joint - important when e.g. climbing and pulling body weight upwards
what are the attachments of rhomboid major
spinous processes of T2-5
–> medial border scapula
(angle inferiorly from vertebrae to scapula)
what are the attachments of rhomboid minor
nuchal ligament
spinous processes C7,T1
–> medial end of spine of scapula
what is the innervation of the rhomboids
dorsal scapular nerve (C4,5)
what are the attachments of levator scapulae
posterior tubercles of transverse processes C1-4
–> medial border of scapula above spine
what is the innervation of the levator scapulae
cervical spinal nerves C3,4 and dorsal scapular nerve (C4,5)
what is the function of levator scapulae
raise scapula
what is the function of the rhomboids
retract scapula pulling them closer to midline
what is the nuchal ligament
very broad ligament connecting the base of the skull and the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae
what are the 2 intermediate extrinsic back muscles
serratus posterior superior and inferior
what are the attachments of serratus posterior superior
nuchal ligament
spinous processes C7-T3
superior borders ribs 2-4
what is the nerve supply of serratus posterior superior
intercostal nerves 2-5
what is the function of serratus posterior superior
assists in raising the upper ribs
what are the attachments of serratus posterior inferior
spinous processes T11-L2
inferior borders of ribs 8-12 near angle of ribs