Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is large enough to make up some of the armpit and stretch down near the gluteus. The latissimus dorsi is a triangular, flat muscle, which covers the lumbar region and the lower half of the thoracic region.

Anatomy of the Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi muscle is antagonist to the deltoid and the trapezius. It is innervated is by the thoracodorsal nerve and is supplied by the subscapular artery and the dorsal scapular artery

The latissimus dorsi arises by tendinous fibers from the spinous processes of the lower six thoracic vertebrae and from the posterior layer of the thoracolumbar fascia, by which it is attached to the spines of the lumbar and sacral vertebra, to the supraspinal ligament, and to the posterior part of the crest of the ilium.

The latissimus dorsi also arises by muscular fibers from the external lip of the crest of the ilium lateral to the margin of the erector spinae, and from the three or four lower ribs by fleshy digitations, which are interposed between similar processes of the oblique abdominis externus.

Functions of the Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint and the arms.

You will use the latissimus dorsi muscle when pushing on the arms of a chair when standing up

Some of the best exercises to strengthen the latissimus dorsi muscle include lat pull downs using a resistance band and the latissimus dorsi stretch.

The common injury to the latissimus dorsi muscle is tight muscles in the upper back and neck.

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