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The widest back muscle
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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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.