Part of the TeachMe Series

The Superficial Back Muscles

star star star star star
based on 286 ratings

Original Author(s): Oliver Jones
Last updated: October 29, 2020
Revisions: 33

Original Author(s): Oliver Jones
Last updated: October 29, 2020
Revisions: 33

format_list_bulletedContents add remove

The muscles of the back can be divided into three groups – superficial, intermediate and deep:

  • Superficial – associated with movements of the shoulder.
  • Intermediate – associated with movements of the thoracic cage.
  • Deep – associated with movements of the vertebral column.

The deep muscles develop embryologically in the back, and are thus described as intrinsic muscles. The superficial and intermediate muscles do not develop in the back, and are classified as extrinsic muscles.

This article is about the anatomy of the superficial back muscles – their attachments, innervations and functions.

The superficial back muscles are situated underneath the skin and superficial fascia. They originate from the vertebral column and attach to the bones of the shoulder – the clavicle, scapula and humerus. All these muscles are therefore associated with movements of the upper limb.

The muscles in this group are the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and the rhomboids. The trapezius and the latissimus dorsi lie the most superficially, with the trapezius covering the rhomboids and levator scapulae.

Trapezius

The trapezius is a broad, flat and triangular muscle. The muscles on each side form a trapezoid shape. It is the most superficial of all the back muscles.

  • Attachments: Originates from the skull, ligamentum nuchae and the spinous processes of C7-T12. The fibres attach to the clavicle, acromion and the scapula spine.
  • Innervation: Motor innervation is from the accessory nerve. It also receives proprioceptor fibres from C3 and C4 spinal nerves.
  • Actions: The upper fibres of the trapezius elevates the scapula and rotates it during abduction of the arm. The middle fibres retract the scapula and the lower fibres pull the scapula inferiorly.

Clinical Relevance: Testing the Accessory Nerve

The most common cause of accessory nerve damage is iatrogenic (i.e. due to a medical procedure). In particular, operations such as cervical lymph node biopsy or cannulation of the internal jugular vein can cause trauma to the nerve.

To test the accessory nerve, trapezius function can be assessed. This can be done by asking the patient to shrug his/her shoulders. Other clinical features of accessory nerve damage include muscle wasting, partial paralysis of the sternocleidomastoid, and an asymmetrical neckline.

Latissimus Dorsi

The latissimus dorsi originates from the lower part of the back, where it covers a wide area.

  • Attachments: Has a broad origin – arising from the spinous processes of T6-T12, thoracolumbar fascia, iliac crest, and the inferior three ribs. The fibres converge into a tendon that attaches to the intertubercular sulcus of the humerus.
  • Innervation: Thoracodorsal nerve.
  • Actions: Extends, adducts and medially rotates the upper limb.

Fig 1.0 – The superficial muscles of the back

Levator Scapulae

The levator scapulae is a small strap-like muscle. It begins in the neck, and descends to attach to the scapula.

  • Attachments: Originates from the transverse processes of the C1-C4 vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula.
  • Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve.
  • Actions: Elevates the scapula.

Rhomboids

There are two rhomboid muscles – major and minor. The rhomboid minor is situated superiorly to the major.

Rhomboid Major

  • Attachments: Originates from the spinous processes of T2-T5 vertebrae. Attaches to the medial border of the scapula, between the scapula spine and inferior angle.
  • Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve.
  • Actions: Retracts and rotates the scapula.

Rhomboid Minor

  • Attachments: Originates from the spinous processes of C7-T1 vertebrae. Attaches to the medial border of the scapula, at the level of the spine of scapula.
  • Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve.
  • Actions: Retracts and rotates the scapula.