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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Parietal Bones
    Bones forming the sides and roof of the skull.
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Patella
    Knee cap, protecting the knee joint.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Vertebral Column
    Spinal column consisting of vertebrae.
    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Tibialis Anterior
    Muscle that dorsiflexes and inverts the foot.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Sternocleidomastoid
    Muscle that rotates and flexes the neck.
    Gliding (Plane) Joints
    e.g., between carpals
    Cranial Bones
    Bones of the skull that protect the brain.
    Metatarsals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the mid-foot.
    Sacroiliac Ligaments
    Ligaments connecting the sacrum to the iliac bones.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Ethmoid Bone
    Bone forming part of the nasal cavity and the orbit.
    Syndesmoses
    Fibrous joints where bones are connected by ligaments.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Palatine Bones
    Bones forming part of the hard palate and nasal cavity.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.

    Latissimus Dorsi

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Back muscle responsible for arm adduction and extension.

    1. Overview

    The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat, triangular muscle located in the lower back. Commonly referred to as the "lats," it is one of the broadest muscles in the human body. This powerful muscle plays a central role in upper limb movement, particularly in actions involving pulling, extension, and internal rotation of the shoulder. It also contributes to posture and trunk stabilization.

    2. Location

    The latissimus dorsi is located in the posterior thoracic and lumbar regions of the body:

    • Origin:

      • Spinous processes of T7–T12 vertebrae

      • Thoracolumbar fascia

      • Iliac crest (posterior part)

      • Inferior 3 to 4 ribs

      • (Sometimes) the inferior angle of the scapula

    • Insertion:

      • Floor of the intertubercular sulcus (bicipital groove) of the humerus

    • Superficial to: Deeper muscles of the back such as the erector spinae

    3. Structure

    The latissimus dorsi is a broad, fan-shaped muscle with a wide origin and a narrow tendon of insertion:

    • Shape: Triangular and sheet-like

    • Fibers: Run superolaterally from the spine and lower back to converge into a tendon that passes anterior to the shoulder joint

    • Innervation: Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8), a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus

    • Blood supply: Thoracodorsal artery (a branch of the subscapular artery)

    4. Function

    The latissimus dorsi is involved in several key movements of the upper limb:

    • Extension of the shoulder: Moves the arm backward

    • Adduction of the arm: Brings the arm toward the body's midline

    • Internal (medial) rotation of the humerus: Rotates the arm inward

    • Assists in respiration: Acts as an accessory muscle in forceful expiration (e.g., coughing or heavy breathing)

    5. Physiological role(s)

    In addition to movement, the latissimus dorsi supports various physiological functions:

    • Postural support: Helps stabilize the spine and pelvis during dynamic upper limb movements

    • Trunk motion: Assists in lateral flexion and rotation of the trunk when the arm is fixed

    • Force generation: Critical for pulling motions such as climbing, swimming, and rowing

    • Muscle synergy: Works with the teres major, pectoralis major, and rotator cuff muscles to coordinate shoulder movements

    6. Clinical Significance

    The latissimus dorsi is clinically relevant in musculoskeletal health, injury, and reconstructive surgery:

    • Muscle strain or tear:

      • Can occur during sports involving sudden pulling motions (e.g., gymnastics, rock climbing); leads to pain and weakness in shoulder extension

    • Thoracodorsal nerve injury:

      • May occur during axillary surgery or trauma, resulting in weakness of shoulder adduction and extension

    • Myofascial pain syndrome:

      • Trigger points in the latissimus can refer pain to the mid-back or posterior shoulder area

    • Reconstructive surgery:

      • The muscle is commonly used in flap procedures, such as latissimus dorsi flap for breast reconstruction after mastectomy

    • Posture and imbalance:

      • Overactivation or tightness can contribute to shoulder internal rotation and poor posture, often seen in athletes with repetitive pulling tasks

    Did you know? The human body has over 600 muscles.