Superficial muscles of the back

The superficial muscles of the back are arranged into ​two layers:

Superficial layer ​ containing the ---

● trapezius,
● latissimus dorsi,
● rhomboid major and minor
● levator scapulae muscles.

Intermediate layer​ containing

● serratus posterior superior and inferior muscles.

Trapezius:
 ● Trapezius is a large, paired, triangular shaped muscle located in
the ​upper back​ and ​neck.
● the trapezius supports and draws the ​scapula​ ​superiomedially.
● It extends, rotates (contralateral) and laterally flexes (ipsilateral)
the ​head​ and ​neck​.
● Trapezius receives ​motor​ innervation from the accessory nerve
(​CN XI​). It also receives ​sensory​ innervation through the
anterior rami of spinal nerves ​C3-C4​ (via cervical plexus).

Latissimus dorsi:

● Latissimus dorsi is an expansive muscle located in the ​lower

region​ of the ​back​.
● It overlies all the back muscles except for trapezius.
● Latissimus dorsi has a variety of actions on the ​arm​, including
internal rotation​, ​adduction​ and ​extension.
● Latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve
(​C6-C8​).

Rhomboids:

● Rhomboid ​major​ and rhomboid ​minor​ are a group of small,

cylindrical muscles found between the ​vertebral column​ and the
medial border of the ​scapula.

● Their main ​roles​ are to support and move the scapula

superomedially.
● They also rotate the glenoid cavity inferiorly.
● The rhomboids are ​innervated​ by the dorsal scapular nerve
(C5)​.
Levator scapulae:

● Levator scapulae is located deep to the trapezius and superior to

the rhomboid minor muscle.
● It originates from the transverse processes of C1-C4 vertebrae
and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
● levator scapulae primarily ​elevates​ the scapula superomedially.
● It also rotates the glenoid cavity inferiorly and laterally flexes the
neck (ipsilaterally).
● Levator scapulae is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve ​(C5)
and anterior rami of ​C3-C4​ spinal nerves.

Serratus posterior:

serratus posterior muscles are two oblique muscles:

Serratus posterior ​superior -

● originates from the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of

vertebrae C7-T3. It inserts on the superior borders of ribs 2-5,
elevating​ them.
● It is innervated by the 2nd to 5th intercostal nerves.

Serratus posterior ​inferior​ -

● It begins at the spinous processes of vertebrae T11-L2 and

inserts onto the inferior borders of ribs 9-12.
● This muscle ​depresses​ the ribs under the control of the 9th to
11 intercostal nerves and the subcostal nerve.