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The rhomboid muscles are a group of deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. There are two rhomboid muscles: the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor. These muscles are located under the trapezius muscle in the upper part of the thoracic region of the back and help form the shoulder girdle. The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle located inferior to the rhomboid minor, which is cylindrical. The rhomboids are associated with several clinical pathologies, including winged scapula and rhomboid palsy, which can result from damage to the dorsal scapular nerve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of rhomboid muscles | 2 |
| Names of the two muscles | Rhomboid Major, Rhomboid Minor |
| Shape of the rhomboid major | Quadrangular |
| Shape of the rhomboid minor | Cylindrical |
| Rhomboid major's size relative to the rhomboid minor | Twice as wide |
| Rhomboid major's position relative to the rhomboid minor | Inferior |
| Origin of the rhomboid muscles | Spinous processes of the T2-T5 vertebra |
| Insertion point of the rhomboid muscles | Medial border of the scapula |
| Motor function control | Dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) |
| Function | Retraction, elevation, and rotation of the scapula; protraction of the medial border of the scapula |
| Blood supply | Dorsal scapular artery |
| Pathologies | Winged scapula, rhomboid palsy |
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What You'll Learn
Rhomboid major and minor
The rhomboid major and minor are two separate muscles that form the rhomboid muscles. They are deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that lie deep under the trapezius muscle in the upper back, forming parallel bands that pass inferolaterally from the vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula. The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle that originates at the ligamentum nuchae and C7 and T1 vertebra, inserting at the scapula's medial border near the base of the spine of the scapula. The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle located inferior to the rhomboid minor. It originates from the spinous processes of the T2-T5 vertebra and inserts on the medial border of the scapula, just inferior to the rhomboid minor.
The rhomboid muscles are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. They retract, elevate and rotate the scapula, and protract the medial border of the scapula, keeping it in position at the posterior thoracic wall. The serratus anterior, trapezius, and rhomboid major and minor work together to anchor the scapula and prevent winging. They also play a role in pulling motions and overhead arm movements, such as throwing.
The motor function of the rhomboid muscles is controlled by the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN), which provides innervation to both the rhomboid minor and major muscles at their anterior border. The rhomboid muscles receive arterial blood from the dorsal scapular artery and the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery.
Poor upper body posture can lead to pain in the upper back, especially along the medial border of the scapulae. Strengthening the rhomboid muscles can help relieve this pain and improve upper body posture. Winged scapula and rhomboid palsy are clinical pathologies associated with the rhomboids. Rhomboid palsy is caused by damage to the dorsal scapular nerve, often due to entrapment or direct injury.
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Rhomboid muscle pain
The rhomboid muscles are two rhombus-shaped muscles—the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor—located in the upper back, underneath the trapezius muscle. They connect the shoulder blades to the spine and neck and are important for upper limb movement and shoulder stability.
To relieve rhomboid muscle pain, you can try using a self-massager, a massage ball, or a foam roller. Applying a pain-relieving gel, such as Sombra Warm Therapy Gel, can also help relax the muscles and relieve pain. Additionally, warming up and stretching before and after exercise can help protect the muscles and prevent soreness. Taking breaks and improving your posture, especially if you work at a computer, can also help manage rhomboid muscle pain.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent rhomboid muscle pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor or physical therapist. They may recommend specific treatments such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to relax the muscles and ease the pain.
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Rhomboid palsy
The rhomboid muscles are a group of deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that are important for the movement of the upper extremity and stabilization of the shoulder through articulation with the trunk. There are two rhomboid muscles: the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor. These muscles are located deep to the trapezius muscle in the upper back and form parallel bands that pass from the vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula.
The condition can be difficult to diagnose as the signs are discreet and the rhomboid muscles are located deep in the body. Electroneuromyographic testing (ENMG) can be used to confirm rhomboid palsy, and EMG studies can show signs of denervation of the rhomboid muscle. Treatment for rhomboid palsy typically involves pain management and physical therapy, and in some cases, psychiatric support may be recommended.
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Shoulder girdle
The shoulder girdle, also known as the pectoral girdle, is the set of bones in the appendicular skeleton that connects to the arm on each side of the body. It is formed by the clavicle and scapula, with the manubrium of the sternum closing off the structure anteriorly. The shoulder girdle functions as the anchor that attaches the upper limbs to the axial skeleton, allowing for a large range of motion.
The shoulder girdle consists of three anatomical (true) joints and one physiological ("false") joint. These joints include the sternoclavicular (SC) joint, formed between the sternum and clavicle; the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, formed between the scapula and clavicle; the glenohumeral (GH) or shoulder joint, formed between the scapula and humerus; and the scapulothoracic joint, formed between the scapula and the posterior thoracic cage. The glenohumeral joint is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, allowing for flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial and lateral rotation, and more.
The shoulder girdle is susceptible to various injuries, especially in overhead sports such as tennis and volleyball. Common shoulder girdle injuries include fractures, ligamentous sprains, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and acute or chronic conditions affecting associated tendons, bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and cartilage.
The shoulder girdle is associated with several muscles, including the rhomboid major and minor. These muscles, along with the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis muscles, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior, form the shoulder girdle and contribute to upper limb movement and stability. The rhomboid muscles specifically help retract, elevate, and rotate the scapula, as well as protract the medial border of the scapula to maintain its position at the posterior thoracic wall.
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Upper limb movement
The rhomboid muscles are essential for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. There are two rhomboid muscles: the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor. These muscles are located deep to the trapezius muscle in the upper back, forming parallel bands that pass from the vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula. The rhomboid major is thin and flat, while the rhomboid minor, located superior to it, is thicker and cylindrical.
The rhomboid muscles work together with other muscle groups to facilitate upper limb movement and stability. These include the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis muscles, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior. This collective group of muscles forms the shoulder girdle, which is crucial for the movement of the upper extremity and stabilization of the shoulder through articulation with the trunk.
Functionally, the rhomboid muscles play a key role in retracting, elevating, and rotating the scapula. They also protract the medial border of the scapula, maintaining its position at the posterior thoracic wall. This action helps to anchor the scapula and prevent "winging," a condition where the scapula becomes unstable and protrudes from the back.
The rhomboid muscles are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus. This nerve controls the motor function of the rhomboid muscles, ensuring coordinated action and stability during upper limb movements. The vascular supply to the rhomboids is provided by the dorsal scapular artery, a branch of the subclavian artery, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
The rhomboid muscles are also vital for actions such as pulling, throwing, and overhead arm movements. They work in conjunction with the rotator cuff to contribute to glenohumeral joint stability, which is necessary for precise upper limb movements. Additionally, the rhomboids' interplay with muscles like the levator scapulae and serratus anterior helps regulate scapular elevation, stability, and balanced motion during arm elevation and abduction.
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Frequently asked questions
Rhomboid muscles are a group of deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that include the rhomboid major and minor. They are located under the trapezius muscle in the upper back.
The rhomboid muscles are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. They help in retracting, elevating and rotating the scapula, and also work to anchor the scapula and prevent winging.
Winged scapula and rhomboid palsy are clinical pathologies associated with the rhomboids. Rhomboid palsy occurs due to damage to the dorsal scapular nerve, often caused by entrapment or direct injury.
Symptoms of rhomboid muscle pain can include medial scapular pain, abnormal shoulder motion, and neck, back, and shoulder discomfort. However, pain in this area could also indicate a more serious problem, such as a broken bone or muscle tear.
There are stretches and foam rolling techniques specifically designed to target the rhomboid muscles, which may help to alleviate pain.
