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The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as lats, especially among bodybuilders, is a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arm, and is partly covered by the trapezius on the back near the midline. The muscle's primary function is to move the upper extremity, but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration. The latissimus dorsi is capable of performing adduction, medial rotation, and extension of the humerus. It is also used in breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy or to correct pectoral hypoplastic defects such as Poland's syndrome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Latissimus dorsi muscle |
| Colloquial name | Lats muscle |
| Location | Lower posterior thorax |
| Function | Upper extremity |
| Type of muscle | Respiratory accessory muscle |
| Muscle group | Superficial layer of the extrinsic back muscles |
| Innervation | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8) |
| Artery supply | Thoracodorsal artery |
| Width | Widest muscle in the human body |
| Exercises | Pull-downs, pull-ups, bent-over rows, weightlifting, bench presses |
| Injury treatment | Rest, ice, compress, elevate, NSAIDs |
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What You'll Learn
- The latissimus dorsi muscle is the widest muscle in the human body
- It is also known as 'the lats' muscle, especially among bodybuilders
- It assists in forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing
- It is implicated in patients with restrictions of shoulder motion
- It is one of the main stabilisers of the spine
The latissimus dorsi muscle is the widest muscle in the human body
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly known as the "lats", is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a broad, flat muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. The latissimus dorsi muscle is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction or horizontal extension), flexion from an extended position, and (medial) internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also has a synergistic role in extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is supplied predominantly by the thoracodorsal artery, a continuation of the subscapular artery, which is a branch of the third part of the axillary artery. The skin covering the latissimus dorsi muscle is supplied by roots T4 to T12, as well as the dorsal rami of L1 to L3. The latissimus dorsi muscle is innervated by the sixth, seventh, and eighth cervical nerves through the thoracodorsal nerve.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is an essential part of the back and plays a crucial role in upper extremity movement and respiration. It belongs to the superficial layer of extrinsic back muscles and works collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major muscles to perform actions of the upper extremity. Together, these muscles adduct, medially rotate and extend the arm at the glenohumeral joint. The latissimus dorsi muscle is also active during deep inspiration and forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is implicated in various clinical conditions, such as low back pain and restrictions of shoulder motion, including abduction, flexion, and lateral rotation. Assessment of this muscle is essential for patients with upper extremity pathology. Tightness in the latissimus dorsi muscle can contribute to chronic shoulder pain and chronic back pain. Additionally, it is a potential source of muscle for breast reconstruction surgery and can be used to correct pectoral hypoplastic defects.
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It is also known as 'the lats' muscle, especially among bodybuilders
The lateral muscle is the colloquial name for the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is the widest muscle in the human body. It is also known as the 'lats' muscle, especially among bodybuilders. This muscle is located in the lower posterior thorax and is relatively thin, covering almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. The latissimus dorsi is one of the largest muscles of the back, stretching across the width of the back and helping to control the movement of the shoulders. It is a broad, flat muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. It is also considered to be a respiratory accessory muscle.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is supplied predominantly by the thoracodorsal artery, a continuation of the subscapular artery, which is a branch of the third part of the axillary artery. The thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes enter the muscle at a single point on the anterior surface of the muscle, 6 cm to 12 cm from the bifurcation of the subscapular artery and 1 cm to 4 cm medial to the lateral margin of the muscle. In addition to the thoracodorsal artery, the latissimus dorsi also receives blood supply from the dorsal perforating branches of the inferior three posterior intercostal arteries and the superior three lumbar arteries.
The latissimus dorsi muscle has several important functions. Firstly, it is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction or horizontal extension), flexion from an extended position, and medial internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also plays a role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. Secondly, it assists as a muscle of both forced expiration (anterior fibres) and an accessory muscle of inspiration (posterior fibres). Thirdly, it is an important muscle in rowing, swimming (especially during the downstroke), and chopping. It is also active in violent expiration, as it attaches to the ribs.
The latissimus dorsi muscle can be injured due to overuse, poor posture, or poor form during sports and exercise. Common exercises that engage this muscle include weightlifting, pull-ups, and bench presses. Specific sports that can increase the risk of latissimus dorsi muscle injury include golf, baseball, skiing, rowing, tennis, and swimming. Treatment of an injured latissimus dorsi muscle typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may also be recommended to manage pain and swelling.
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It assists in forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the lats muscle, is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a large, flat muscle that covers almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. The latissimus dorsi is implicated in forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
During a cough or sneeze, the latissimus dorsi can be felt pressing forcibly inward, as it acts to compress the thorax and abdomen. The muscle assists in forceful expiration by depressing the ribs. It also plays a role in deep inspiration, assisting as an accessory muscle of inspiration by elevating the ribs.
The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle. With the arms fixed above the head, it can raise the trunk upwards, together with the help of the pectoralis major. It is an important muscle in rowing, swimming (especially during the downstroke), and chopping. The muscle is active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing an activity such as a chin-up.
The latissimus dorsi is supplied by the thoracodorsal artery, a continuation of the subscapular artery, which is a branch of the third part of the axillary artery. The latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise, particularly when performing pull-ups and bench presses. Treatment for an injured latissimus dorsi includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as anti-inflammatory medication if the pain or swelling is severe.
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It is implicated in patients with restrictions of shoulder motion
The lateral muscles are a group of muscles located in the shoulder region, specifically on the lateral or outer aspect of the shoulder joint. These muscles include the deltoid muscle, which covers the shoulder joint and is responsible for movements such as abduction, flexion, and extension of the arm. The deltoid muscle is essential for various activities, including throwing, reaching, and lifting objects. Restrictions in shoulder motion can occur due to impairments or imbalances in the lateral muscles. This can manifest as a reduced range of motion, pain, and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Implications in patients with restricted shoulder motion can include difficulty in performing overhead activities, reaching behind the back, or across the body. For example, activities such as combing hair, reaching for objects on a shelf, or throwing a ball may become challenging. The specific implications will depend on which movements are restricted and the degree of that restriction. These restrictions can significantly impact a person's functional abilities and quality of life.
Lateral muscle restrictions can develop from a variety of causes, including injury, overuse, or underlying conditions such as rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), or arthritis. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan. Treatment may involve a combination of approaches, including physical therapy, exercise, medication, or, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing lateral muscle restrictions. Therapists may employ a range of techniques, such as massage, stretching, and strengthening exercises, to improve flexibility, restore range of motion, and enhance muscle performance. They may also provide guidance on activity modification and pain management strategies. A home exercise program may also be prescribed to ensure consistent progress and help patients regain functional abilities.
The specific exercises prescribed will depend on the individual's specific impairments and functional goals. For example, if forward flexion of the shoulder is restricted, exercises such as shoulder rolls, pendulum swings, or assisted wall climbs may be recommended. If abduction is limited, exercises such as lateral raises or shoulder circles may be introduced. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure a personalized and safe exercise program.
In summary, lateral muscles are integral to shoulder function, and restrictions in motion can significantly impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. Through early identification, targeted treatment, and consistent management, many individuals with lateral muscle restrictions can improve their shoulder motion, reduce pain, and enhance their quality of life.
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It is one of the main stabilisers of the spine
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the 'lats' muscle, is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a large, flat muscle that covers almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. The latissimus dorsi is one of the main stabilisers of the spine during its various movements.
The muscle is located in the lower posterior thorax, originating from several locations, including the spinous processes of vertebrae T7-L5, the thoracolumbar fascia, posterior iliac crest, lower third or fourth ribs, and the inferior angle of the scapula. The uppermost fibres of the latissimus dorsi are oriented horizontally, while the lower fibres are oriented more vertically on the thorax. The latissimus dorsi is considered an extrinsic muscle of the back, meaning it originates from the myogenic cells in the developing upper limb buds.
The latissimus dorsi muscle has a synergistic role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. It assists in forced expiration and acts as an accessory muscle during inspiration. The muscle is also active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing a chin-up. This is due to its ability to work with the teres major and pectoralis major muscles to adduct, extend and internally rotate the shoulder and arm.
The latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise, particularly when performing pull-ups and bench presses. It can also be injured due to overuse, poor posture, or poor form in sports and exercise. Treatment for an injured latissimus dorsi muscle includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation, as well as anti-inflammatory medication in more severe cases.
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Frequently asked questions
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arm. It is commonly known as the "lats", especially among bodybuilders.
The primary function of the latissimus dorsi is to move the upper extremity, but it is also considered an accessory muscle of respiration. It is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction), flexion from an extended position, and medial internal rotation of the shoulder joint.
The name "latissimus dorsi" comes from Latin and means "broadest of the back", with "latissimus" meaning "broadest" and "dorsum" meaning "back".
Some exercises that target the latissimus dorsi include pull-downs, pull-ups (including chin-ups), and horizontal pulling movements such as bent-over rows.
The latissimus dorsi muscle is commonly used as a free flap for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. It provides bulk to fill large volumes of dead space and can cover a large surface area. The muscle can also be used to improve the thickness of the soft tissue envelope of the breast.
