The dorsal scapular nerve is a motor nerve of the scapular region. It supplies motor innervation to the rhomboid major, rhomboid minor and levator scapulae muscles. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The dorsal scapular nerve arises from the brachial plexus, most commonly as a direct branch of the C5 spinal root. From its origin, it passes inferiorly and pierces the middle scalene muscle. The dorsal scapular nerve then descends between the deep surface of the levator scapula (which it supplies with motor innervation) and the superficial surfaces of the serratus posterior and posterior scalene. It then passes under the deep surface of the rhomboid muscles, terminating into numerous motor branches. Adobe Stock, Licensed to TeachMeSeries Ltd Fig 1Course of the dorsal scapular nerve Motor Functions The dorsal scapular nerve provides motor innervation to the rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and levator scapulae muscles. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025) Fig 2The superficial muscles of the back Print Article Rate This Article