Superficial vs. Deep Back Muscles

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the deep back muscles?

  • To control the movement of the scapula.
  • To support and move the vertebral column. (correct)
  • To facilitate the rotation of the humerus.
  • To support and move the upper limb.

A patient is unable to shrug their shoulders. Which muscle is MOST likely affected?

  • Latissimus dorsi.
  • Levator scapulae.
  • Rhomboideus major.
  • Trapezius. (correct)

Which action is NOT performed by the trapezius muscle?

  • Elevation of the scapula.
  • Rotation of the humerus. (correct)
  • Depression of the scapula.
  • Adduction of the scapula.

What is the common action of both the rhomboid major and minor muscles?

<p>Adduction of the scapula. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The latissimus dorsi muscle is responsible for which of these actions on the humerus?

<p>Adduction and extension. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is associated with the action of the latissimus dorsi muscle?

<p>Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8). (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for the movement of the levator scapulae muscle?

<p>Dorsal scapular nerve. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group of nerves is vital for the innervation of the muscles of the upper limb?

<p>Brachial plexus. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Superficial back muscles

Muscles attached to the trunk and upper limb, responsible for supporting and moving the shoulder and arm.

Deep back muscles

Muscles located along the spinous processes (back of the spine), their function is to support and move the vertebral column.

Trapezius Muscle

A large triangular muscle that spans the upper back, responsible for movements like shrugging, scapula adduction, depression, and rotation.

Levator Scapula Muscle

A relatively small muscle that elevates the scapula, contributing to shoulder movements.

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Rhomboid Minor and Major Muscles

Two diamond-shaped muscles that adduct the scapula, pulling it towards the midline.

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Latissimus Dorsi Muscle

The largest muscle on the back, responsible for adduction and extension of the humerus, and also plays a role in pulling the arm towards the body.

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Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves that innervates the upper limb, including the nerves that serve the back muscles.

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Spinal Accessory Nerve, Thoracodorsal Nerve

Nerves that travel through the brachial plexus to innervate the trapezius and latissimus dorsi muscles respectively.

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Study Notes

Superficial Back Muscles vs. Deep Back Muscles

  • Superficial back muscles attach to the trunk and upper limb, specifically the scapula and humerus. Their primary function is to support and move the upper limb.
  • Deep back muscles, also known as paraspinal muscles, are located along the spinous processes. Their function is to support and move the vertebral column.

Trapezius Muscle

  • Origin: External occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament, spinous processes of C7 to T12
  • Insertion: Spine of the scapula, acromion, lateral third of the clavicle
  • Actions:
    • Elevation: Shrugging the shoulders, contraction of the upper fibers pulls the scapula upwards.
    • Adduction: Pulling the scapula towards the midline, contraction of the middle fibers pulls the scapula towards the midline.
    • Depression: Pulling the scapula downwards, contraction of the lower fibers pulls the scapula downwards.
    • Rotation: Combined contraction of all fibers results in rotation of the scapula, crucial for movements like reaching above the head.
  • Innervation: Spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI)

Levator Scapula Muscle

  • Origin: Transverse processes of C1 to C4 vertebrae
  • Insertion: Superior angle of the scapula
  • Action: Elevation of the scapula
  • Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Rhomboid Minor and Major Muscles

  • Rhomboid Minor:
    • Origin: Spinous processes of C7 and T1 vertebrae
    • Insertion: Medial margin of the scapula, at the level of the spine
  • Rhomboid Major:
    • Origin: Spinous processes of T2 to T5 vertebrae
    • Insertion: Medial margin of the scapula
  • Action: Adduction of the scapula
  • Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle

  • Origin: T7 to sacral region of the vertebral column, thoracolumbar fascia
  • Insertion: Intertubercular groove of the humerus
  • Actions:
    • Adduction: Drawing the humerus towards the midline, or pulling the arm towards the body.
    • Extension: Moving the humerus from a flexed to an extended position, extending the arm backwards.
  • Innervation: Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8)

Brachial Plexus

  • A network of nerves that provides innervation to the upper limb.
  • The dorsal scapular nerve and the thoracodorsal nerve travel through the brachial plexus to reach their respective muscles.

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