Muscles of the Thoracic Cage, Back, and Vertebral Column

Vocabulary flashcards covering thoracic cage, back, and vertebral column muscles, including their anatomical descriptions and primary actions.

Pectoralis major

A large fan-shaped muscle on the anterior side of the thoracic cage that pulls the upper arm inward towards the body.

Pectoralis minor

A small muscle deep to the pectoralis major that stabilizes the scapula and assists with respiration (deep breaths).

Serratus anterior

A large muscle deep to the scapula with a serrated margin attaching to the ribs; pulls the shoulder blades forward, helps in raising arms, and assists in deep breaths.

Trapezius

A large trapezoid-shaped muscle on the back involved in controlling movements of the scapula, head, and neck.

Latissimus dorsi

A broad, flat muscle covering the lower back that provides stabilization of the shoulder joint and trunk.

Rhomboid major

A large muscle deep to the trapezius, extending between the thoracic vertebrae and the medial border of the scapula; functions in scapular retraction (pulls scapula back like squeezing shoulder blades).

Rhomboid minor

A small muscle located superior to the rhomboid major that pulls the scapula inward toward the spine.

Levator scapulae

A straplike muscle extending between the cervical vertebrae and the superior angle of the scapula that elevates the scapula, helping perform a shrugging motion.

Erector spinae

A deep muscle running vertically along the vertebral column and ribs; unilaterally causes bending to one side, and bilaterally pulls vertebrae to extend and straighten the trunk, spine, and maintain posture.

Splenius capitis

A straplike muscle extending between the spinous processes of C7 through T4 and the occipital and temporal bones that rotates and stabilizes the head and cervical spine.

Splenius cervicis

A straplike muscle extending between the spinous processes of T3 through T6 and the transverse processes of C1 through C4 that helps bend the neck.