Massage by Wendy Rowe, LMT

08/30/2025

08/29/2025

ANATOMY FACTS - SUPERFICIAL BACK MUSCLES

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, iliac crest, thoracolumbar fascia 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.

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 scapula 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 scapula nerve.
• Actions: Retracts and rotates the scapula.

08/15/2025

05/25/2025

THESE ARE THE NERVES THAT COME OUT OF OUR SPINE. In total, we have 31 pairs of spinal nerves: 8 cervical nerves, 12 thoracic nerves, 5 lumbar nerves, 5 sac nerves and 1 sciatic nerve.

Its function is basically to transport motor, sensory, and autonomic signals between the spinal cord and the rest of our body. No doubt our bodies are an evolutionary wonder.