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The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the 'lat muscle' or 'lats', is a large, flat muscle that covers a significant portion of the back, stretching across the lower posterior thorax. It is responsible for various functions, including upper extremity movement, respiratory functions, and movements of the shoulder joint. The latissimus dorsi is also implicated in certain medical conditions, such as chronic shoulder and back pain, and plays a role in breast reconstruction surgery. The muscle is prone to injuries, especially during specific exercises and sports.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | "Lats" |
| Scientific name | Latissimus dorsi |
| Location | Lower thorax, below the shoulder blade, and to the left and right of the spine |
| Shape | Triangular |
| Size | Large |
| Texture | Flat |
| Function | Upper extremity movement, accessory breathing muscle, stabilises the spine |
| Innervation | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8) |
| Blood supply | Thoracodorsal artery, posterior intercostal arteries, lumbar arteries |
| Attachments | Vertebral part, costal part, inferior angle of the scapula, intertubercular sulcus of the humerus |
| Related conditions | Chronic shoulder pain, chronic back pain, scoliosis, kyphosis, nerve injury |
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What You'll Learn
- The latissimus dorsi muscle is one of the largest muscles in the back
- It is commonly referred to as the 'lats'
- The muscle assists in breathing and forced expiration
- The latissimus dorsi can be injured due to overuse, poor posture, or sports and exercise
- The muscle is involved in multiple upper-body movements, including pulling the body weight up
The latissimus dorsi muscle is one of the largest muscles in the back
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the 'lats', is one of the largest muscles in the back. It is a broad, flat muscle that covers a large part of the lower back, stretching from the shoulder blades, across the back, and down to the pelvis. The latissimus dorsi is responsible for several functions, including upper extremity movement and assisting with breathing.
The muscle originates from several locations, including the vertebrae, ribs, and connective tissue in the lower back. It attaches to the humerus bone in the upper arm, just below the shoulder joint, and works together with other muscles such as the teres major and pectoralis major to perform movements like adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the arm. This collaboration allows for actions such as pulling the body weight up during activities like chin-ups and rock climbing.
The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle, aiding in vertical pulling movements and pulling the trunk upward and forward when the arms are fixed overhead. It also functions as a rowing and swimming muscle, facilitating horizontal pulling motions and shoulder extension. The muscle's ability to contract alternatively enables individuals with paralysis in the lower body to move their pelvis and trunk by using crutches.
Tightness or injury in the latissimus dorsi can lead to issues such as chronic shoulder and back pain, scoliosis, or kyphosis. Treatment for an injured latissimus dorsi involves rest and, in severe cases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Strengthening the lats can be achieved through various exercises, including vertical pulling movements (e.g., pull-downs and pull-ups) and horizontal pulling movements (e.g., bent-over rows).
The latissimus dorsi plays a significant role in back stability and movement, making it one of the most important muscles in the back. Its size, shape, and functionality contribute to its crucial role in various physical activities and everyday movements.
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It is commonly referred to as the 'lats'
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the lats, is a large, flat muscle located below the shoulder blade. It is one of the largest muscles of the back, stretching across the lower posterior thorax, from the shoulder blades, across the back, to the pelvis. The word latissimus dorsi comes from Latin and means "broadest [muscle] of the back".
The lats are triangular muscles, with fibres that converge towards the proximal humerus. The uppermost fibres are oriented horizontally, while the lower fibres are oriented vertically. The muscle originates from several locations, including the spinous processes of vertebrae T7-L5, the thoracolumbar fascia, posterior iliac crest, lower three or four ribs, and the inferior angle of the scapula.
The primary function of the lats is in upper extremity movement, but they also play a role in respiratory functions. They assist in holding the scapula against the thorax during upper limb movements and help to stabilise the spine during its various movements. The lats are also active during deep inspiration and forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
The lats can be injured due to overuse, poor posture, or poor form in sports and exercise. Common exercises that engage the lats include weightlifting, pull-ups, and bench presses. Tight lats can contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain. Weak lats may interfere with bringing the arm towards the body or extending it out to the side.
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The muscle assists in breathing and forced expiration
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle that covers a significant portion of the back, stretching to the sides and behind the arms. The name "latissimus dorsi" is derived from Latin and means "broadest of the back". Bodybuilders often refer to this muscle as the "lats".
The latissimus dorsi is involved in various functions, including extension, adduction, transverse extension, and medial internal rotation of the shoulder joint. Additionally, it plays a role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine.
One of the latissimus dorsi's important roles is its contribution to breathing and forced expiration. While the primary muscles responsible for inspiration are the diaphragm and external intercostals, the latissimus dorsi assists as an accessory muscle during inspiration and forced expiration. During inspiration, the diaphragm contracts, flattening towards the abdomen and increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs.
During forced expiration, the latissimus dorsi works in conjunction with other muscles, including the internal intercostals, abdominal muscles, and intercostalis intimi. These muscles contract, increasing intrathoracic pressure and causing the air under high pressure to be expelled from the lungs. This process is particularly evident during coughing and sneezing, where the rapid contraction of the latissimus dorsi and other muscles results in a forceful expulsion of air and any irritants or foreign particles.
The latissimus dorsi's involvement in breathing and forced expiration is further highlighted in individuals with paralysis of the lower body. Due to its attachment to the pelvis and spine, the latissimus dorsi enables them to generate movement in the pelvis and trunk. This is particularly useful for those using crutches or wearing calipers, as they can achieve a modified gait by fixing their arms and contracting the latissimus dorsi muscles.
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The latissimus dorsi can be injured due to overuse, poor posture, or sports and exercise
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the "lats", is a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arms. It is one of the largest muscles in the human body and is responsible for several functions, including extension, adduction, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint.
Due to its extensive use, the latissimus dorsi is susceptible to injuries caused by overuse, especially during exercises or sports that involve pulling and throwing. Athletes in sports such as water skiing, golf, baseball, rock climbing, and gymnastics are more prone to sustaining injuries to this muscle. The risk of injury is also heightened when proper warm-up routines are not followed before engaging in physical activity.
Poor posture, such as slouching, can also contribute to latissimus dorsi pain. Maintaining correct posture is crucial to preventing injuries to this muscle. Additionally, staying hydrated, receiving occasional massages, and performing proper stretching routines are all beneficial in avoiding latissimus dorsi injuries.
In most cases, latissimus dorsi pain can be alleviated through rest and home exercises. Yoga stretches, for example, can help ease the pain associated with this muscle. However, severe or persistent pain may require medical attention, and surgery may be recommended in some cases.
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The muscle is involved in multiple upper-body movements, including pulling the body weight up
The latissimus dorsi, commonly referred to as the 'lats', are large, flat muscles located below the shoulder blade. They help stabilise the back while extending the shoulders, allowing for movements such as pull-ups, vertical climbing, and swimming.
The lats are involved in multiple upper-body movements, including pulling the body weight up. They assist in pulling the trunk upward and forward when the arms are in a fixed overhead position, as in climbing or performing a chin-up or pull-up. This ability to lift the trunk is also beneficial for individuals with paralysis of the lower body, enabling them to produce movement in the pelvis and trunk by fixing their arms and hitching their hips through alternate contraction of each latissimus dorsi.
The lats are one of the main stabilisers of the spine, and their tightness can contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain. They play a role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, influencing the movement of the scapulae. The lats are also active during deep inspiration and forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing. They are considered accessory breathing muscles, enhancing the movement of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation by expanding and contracting the rib cage.
The latissimus dorsi muscles originate from six vertebrae in the lower middle back and the last three or four ribs. They are innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8) and receive blood flow from the thoracodorsal branch of the subscapular artery. The muscle works in conjunction with the teres major and pectoralis major to perform actions of the upper extremity, including adduction, medial rotation, and extension of the arm at the glenohumeral joint.
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Frequently asked questions
Lat muscle, or latissimus dorsi, is a large, flat muscle in the lower thorax. It is one of the largest muscles of the back, stretching across the lower posterior thorax.
The primary function of the lat muscle is in upper extremity movement. It is also considered to be a respiratory accessory muscle, assisting with the breathing process.
If the lat muscle is tight, it will be hard to take your arm up in front of you, or out to the side. A tight lat muscle can also contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain.
Common exercises that engage the lat muscle include pull-ups, chin-ups, rock climbing, swimming, weightlifting, and bench presses.
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