Learn about the anatomy, function, and variations of the latissimus dorsi, a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides and behind the arm. The latissimus dorsi is involved in extension, adduction, internal rotation, and trunk movement of the shoulder joint. · Learn about the latissimus dorsi muscle, the widest muscle in the human body, that covers the posterior trunk and acts on the shoulder joint and respiration.
Understanding the Context
Find out its origin, insertion, innervation, blood supply, functions, clinical notes and more. View allFeb 4, 2025 · Learn about the latissimus dorsi muscle, one of the largest muscles of the back, that originates from the lower thorax and inserts on the humerus. Find out how it moves the shoulder, spine, and respiratory system, and what causes it to get injured. · Latissimus dorsi, often known as the ‘lats,’ is the broadest muscle in the human body that covers almost the entire back, overlying most other back muscles.
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Key Insights
The flat spine muscle is one of the four superficial extrinsic back muscles, along with the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae. · Learn about the lats muscles, large triangular back muscles that help you move your shoulders and breathe. Find out how to strengthen, stretch, and treat lats injuries with physical therapy and exercises. · The latissimus dorsi is a broad, flat muscle occupying most of the lower posterior thorax (see Image. Surface Anatomy of the Thorax).
Important Details
The muscle's primary function is to move the upper extremity, but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration. · Experts describe the latissimus dorsimuscles as accessory respiration muscles, meaning that they support major breathing muscles such as the diaphragm. They help when you take deep breaths... · Learn about the latissimus dorsi muscle, one of the largest muscles of the back, that originates from the lower thorax and inserts on the humerus.
Final Thoughts
Find out how it moves the shoulder, spine, and respiratory system, and what causes it to get injured. · Latissimus dorsi, often known as the ‘lats,’ is the broadest muscle in the human body that covers almost the entire back, overlying most other back muscles. The flat spine muscle is one of the four superficial extrinsic back muscles, along with the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae. · Learn about the lats muscles, large triangular back muscles that help you move your shoulders and breathe. Find out how to strengthen, stretch, and treat lats injuries with physical therapy and exercises. · The latissimus dorsi is a broad, flat muscle occupying most of the lower posterior thorax (see Image.
Surface Anatomy of the Thorax). The muscle's primary function is to move the upper extremity, but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration. · Experts describe the latissimus dorsimuscles as accessory respiration muscles, meaning that they support major breathing muscles such as the diaphragm. They help when you take deep breaths...
