Superifcial Back Muscles

Question 1

Where are the superficial back muscles?

Answer 1

Under skin and superficial fascia. Originate from vertebral column and attach to bones of shoulder (clavicle, scapula and humerus)

Question 2

Superficial Muscles

Answer 2

Trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and rhomboids

Question 3

Trapezius

Answer 3

Most superficial of back muscles
Broad, flat, triangular muscle

Question 4

Attachments of trapezius

Answer 4

Originates from skull, ligamentum nuchae and spinous processes of C7-T12
Fibres attach to clavicle, acromion and scapula spine

Question 5

Innervation of trapezius

Answer 5

Motor innervation from accessory nerve
Receives proprioceptor fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves

Question 6

Actions of trapezius

Answer 6

Upper fibres elevate scapula and rotates it during abduction of arm
Middle fibres retract scapula and lower fibres pull scapula inferiorly

Question 7

Latissimus dorsi

Answer 7

Originates from lower part of back, covers wide area

Question 8

Attachments of latissimus dorsi

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Innervation of latissimus dorsi

Answer 9

Thoracodorsal nerve

Question 10

Actions of latissimus dorsi

Answer 10

Extends, abducts and medially rotates the upper limb

Question 11

Levator scapulae

Answer 11

Small strap like muscle beginning in neck and descends to attach to the scapula

Question 12

Attachments of levator scapulae

Answer 12

Originates from transverse processes of C1-C4 vertebrae and attaches to medial border of scapula

Question 13

Innervation of levator scapulae

Answer 13

Dorsal scapular nerve

Question 14

Action of levator scapulae

Answer 14

Elevates scapula

Question 15

Rhomboids

Answer 15

Major and minor rhomboid muscle

Question 16

Rhomboid minor location

Answer 16

Superior to rhomboid major

Question 17

Attachment of rhomboid major

Answer 17

Originates from spinous processes of T2-T5 vertebrae.
Attaches to medial border of scapula, between scapula spine and inferior angle

Question 18

Innervation of rhomboid major

Answer 18

Dorsal scapular nerve

Question 19

Rhomboid major action

Answer 19

Retracts and rotates scapula

Question 20

Rhomboid minor attachments

Answer 20

Originates from spinous processes of C7-T1 vertebrae
Attaches to medial border of scapula at level of spine of scapula

Question 21

Innervation of rhomboid minor

Answer 21

Dorsal scapular nerve

Question 22

Rhomboid minor action

Answer 22

Retracts and rotates scapula