Superficial Back Muscles (proximal attachment, distal attachment, action, innervation)

trapezius proximal attachment

medial 1/3 of superior nuchal line

external occipital protuberance

nuchal ligament

spinous process of C7-T12

trapezius distal attachment

lateral third of clavicle

acromion

spine of scapula

trapezius innervation

spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) --> motor fibers

C3 and C4 spinal nerves --> pain and proprioceptive fibers

trapezius actions

upper portion elevates scapula

lower portion depresses scapula

middle/all retracts scapula

upper and lower rotate glenoid cavity superiorly

latissimus dorsi proximal attachment

spinous process of inferior 6 thoracic vertebrae

thoracolumbar fascia

iliac crest

inferior 3 or 4 ribs

inferior angle of scapula

latissimus dorsi distal attachment

FLOOR of intertubercular sulcus of humerus

latissimus dorsi innervation

Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8)

latissimus dorsi action

extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus

pulls body towards arm while climbing

levator scapulae action

elevates scapula

rotates the glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating scapula

levator scapulae proximal attachment

posterior tubercle of transverse process of C1-C4

levator scapulae distal attachment

Medial border of scapula superior to root of scapular spine

levator scapulae innervation

dorsal nerves (C4, C5)

cervical nerves (C3, C4)

Rhomboid major proximal attachment

spinous processes of T2-T5 vertebrae

Rhomboid minor distal attachment

Medial border of scapula from level of spine to inferior angle

Rhomboid major and minor innervation

Dorsal scapular nerve (C4, C5)

Rhomboid major and minor action

Retract scapula and rotate glenoid cavity inferiorly; fix scapula to thoracic wall

Rhomboid minor distal attachment

Smooth triangular area at medial end of scapular spine

Rhomboid minor proximal attachment

nuchal ligament and spinous processes of C7-T1 vertebrae