ANATOMY

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle is attached to four to eight dorsal vertebra. Its muscle fibers may not reach the crest of Ilium. The muscle is located medially dorsal at the back and is covered by Trapezius. The muscle originates from the T7 region of the spine and while extending ends into Humerus, to be specific at Bicipital Groove. It covers the lower tip of Scapula.

INNERVATION

The nerve supply to Latissimus Dorsi Muscle is provided by the 6, 7, and 8 Cervical Nerves by the Thoracodorsal Nerve.

BLOOD SUPPLY

Blood and nutrient supply to Latissimus Dorsi Muscle is provided through Thoracodorsal branch of Subscapular Artery.

FUNCTION

This muscle is involved in the extension, adduction, transverse extension or horizontal adduction, and internal rotation of the Shoulder Joint. It also works together in extension and lateral flexion of Lumbar Spine.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Latissimus Dorsi Muscle is considered as the cause for Chronic Shoulder and Back pain. The disease related to this muscle is referred as Tendinitis (chronic pain). This pain arises due to the tightness of the Latissimus Dorsi Muscle as it connects the spine to the Humerus.