^

Health

The widest back muscle

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The widest muscle of the back (m. Latissimus dorsi) is flat, triangular in shape, occupying the lower half of the back on the corresponding side. The widest muscle of the back lies superficially, with the exception of the upper edge, which is hidden beneath the lower part of the trapezius muscle. Below the lateral edge of the latissimus muscle of the back forms the medial side of the lumbar triangle (the lateral side of this triangle forms the edge of the outer oblique abdominal muscle, the lower one is the ileum crest). The aponeurosis muscle begins on the spinous processes of the lower six thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae (together with the superficial plate of the lumbosacral fascia), the iliac crest and the median sacral ridge. The muscle bundles are oriented upward and lateral in the direction of the lower border of the armpit. At the top of the muscle are attached muscle beams, which begin on the lower three - four ribs (they come between the teeth of the external oblique abdominal muscles) and on the lower corner of the scapula. Covering the lower corner of the scapula from behind with its lower tufts, the broadest muscle of the back sharply narrows and turns into a flat, thick tendon that attaches to the crest of the small tubercle of the humerus. Near the place of attachment, the muscle covers the back of the vessels and nerves located in the armpit. Between the large round muscle and the latissimus muscle of the back, there is an intermuscular synovial bag.

The widest back muscle

The function of the latissimus muscle of the back

Brings a hand to the body and turns it inside (pronatio), unbends the shoulder, lifts the raised hand. If the hands are fixed on the sports equipment, pulls the trunk (when performing exercises on the crossbar, climbing, swimming).

Innervation of the latissimus muscle of the back

The thoracic nerve (CIV-СVII).

Blood supply to the latissimus muscle of the back

The chest cavity artery, posterior artery, circumscribing the humerus, posterior intercostal arteries.

trusted-source[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.