Dominic Stone
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the 'lats muscle' or simply 'lats', is a broad, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back. It is the widest muscle in the human body and is essential for several functions, including arm movement and breathing. The lats muscle can be injured through overuse or improper form during exercise, and tightness in this muscle can contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Lats muscle |
| Scientific name | Latissimus dorsi |
| Location | Middle and lower back |
| Function | Extension, adduction, transverse extension, flexion, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint |
| Attachments | Dorsal vertebrae, costal attachments, crest of the ilium, humerus, spine, hip, pelvis |
| Nerve supply | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8) |
| Blood supply | Thoracodorsal artery |
| Layer | Superficial layer of extrinsic back muscles |
| Related muscles | Teres major, Pectoralis major, Levator scapulae, Trapezius, Rhomboid |
| Injuries | Muscle pulls, strains, tears, pain |
Explore related products
$159.99
$189.99 $249.99
What You'll Learn
- The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body
- It is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back
- The lats muscle is an accessory breathing muscle
- It is a climbing muscle, helping to raise the trunk upwards
- Latissimus dorsi pain can be caused by overuse, improper form, or not warming up before exercise
The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as "lats", especially among bodybuilders, is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back. The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle that can raise the trunk upwards with the arms fixed above the head. It is an important muscle in rowing, swimming, and chopping. The muscle is also active in violent expiration, as it attaches to the ribs. During a cough or sneeze, the muscle can be felt pressing forcibly inward, as it acts to compress the thorax and abdomen.
The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. It is a thin muscle that covers almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. The muscle is considered an extrinsic muscle of the back, meaning it originates from the myogenic cells in the developing upper limb buds. It 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 latissimus dorsi works collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major to perform actions of the upper extremity. Together, these muscles work to adduct, medially rotate, and extend the arm at the glenohumeral joint. The muscle is also 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 also active during deep inspiration and with forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
The latissimus dorsi is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension, also known as horizontal abduction, flexion from an extended position, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also has a synergistic role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. Due to bypassing the scapulothoracic joints and attaching directly to the spine, the actions of the latissimus dorsi on moving the arms can also influence the movement of the scapulae, such as their downward rotation.
Tight latissimus dorsi has been shown to be a contributor to chronic shoulder pain and chronic back pain. Because the latissimus dorsi connects the spine to the humerus, tightness in this muscle can manifest as either sub-optimal glenohumeral joint (shoulder) function, leading to chronic pain, or tendinitis in the tendinous fasciae connecting the muscle to the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Vibration Therapy: Effective Muscle Relaxation and Loosening Technique?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back
The latissimus dorsi, commonly referred to as the 'lats muscle' or simply 'lats', is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back. It is the widest muscle in the human body and is relatively thin, covering almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. The muscle's primary function is in the upper extremity, but it is also considered a respiratory accessory muscle.
The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle. With the arms fixed above the head, it can raise the trunk upwards, with the help of the pectoralis major. It is an important muscle in rowing, swimming (especially during the downstroke), and chopping. The muscle is also active in violent expiration, as it attaches to the ribs. During a cough or sneeze, the muscle can be felt pressing forcibly inward, as it acts to compress the thorax and abdomen.
The latissimus dorsi works collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major to perform actions of the upper extremity. Together, these muscles work to adduct, medially rotate, and extend the arm at the glenohumeral joint. 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 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.
Developing a Boxer's Physique: Secrets to Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The lats muscle is an accessory breathing muscle
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the "lats", are triangular back muscles located below and to the sides of the shoulder blades. They are large, flat muscles that extend from the shoulder blades, across the back, and down to the pelvis. The lats are considered accessory breathing muscles as they support major breathing muscles such as the diaphragm. They help you take deep breaths by expanding and contracting your chest. They are also active during violent expiration, as they attach to the ribs. During a cough or sneeze, the lats can be felt pressing forcibly inward, as they act to compress the thorax and abdomen.
The lats are important for stabilising the back while moving the shoulders. They are responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction or horizontal extension), flexion from an extended position, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. They also have a synergistic role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. The lats can bring the arm in towards the midline of the body and extend the shoulder joint back, allowing the arm to move backwards. These movements can be performed separately or in combination.
The lats also assist in side bending (lateral flexion) and bringing the whole shoulder girdle down (depression). They work together 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 lats are also active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing a chin-up.
The lats are generally quite resistant to injury due to their shape and function. However, they can be injured during physical activities that involve pulling the body upward and forward while the arms are over the head, such as rowing, pull-ups, or "muscle-up" exercises. Latissimus dorsi injuries may be accompanied by serious shoulder pain and trauma. Treatment for a latissimus dorsi injury typically involves physical therapy and exercises to restore muscle function and reduce pain.
Calisthenics: Muscle Toning Without Weights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a climbing muscle, helping to raise the trunk upwards
The latissimus dorsi, or 'lats' muscle, is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back. It is the widest muscle in the human body. The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle that helps to raise the trunk upwards. This muscle is active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing a chin-up. The muscle works collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major to perform actions of the upper extremity. Together, these muscles work to adduct, medially rotate and extend the arm at the glenohumeral joint.
The latissimus dorsi is also active during deep inspiration and with forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing. It is considered an accessory breathing muscle, which means it enhances the movements of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation. The lats lift (expand) the circumference of the rib cage when you inhale, which may increase the volume of air that enters your lungs. During exhalation, the muscle helps to decrease the circumference of the trunk, which may have the effect of squeezing more air out.
The latissimus dorsi 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 the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. The muscle can pull the inferior angle of the scapula in various directions, producing movements on the shoulder joint.
The latissimus dorsi is a potential source of muscle for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. It is also implicated in posterior shoulder dislocations following seizures or electrical shocks/electrocutions. The muscle may also be assessed for patients with low back pain, as a decrease in length or an increase in stiffness of this muscle can lead to alterations in movement patterns and/or postures which can exacerbate low back pain.
Build Your Recruitment Muscle to Hire Top Talent
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Latissimus dorsi pain can be caused by overuse, improper form, or not warming up before exercise
The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle in the back, known for its broad, flat "V" shape. It is sometimes referred to as the "lats" and spans the width of the back, controlling shoulder movement. This muscle is heavily used in exercises that involve pulling and throwing, such as rowing and swimming.
Latissimus dorsi pain is often caused by overuse, improper form, or inadequate warm-up before exercise. Overuse can lead to muscle strain and injury, resulting in pain that may radiate to the shoulder blade, upper and lower back, arms, or even fingers. Poor technique or form during exercises that involve the lats can also cause pain and increase the risk of injury.
Not warming up properly before exercising can tighten the latissimus dorsi and lead to pain. Warm-up exercises increase blood flow to the muscles, improving flexibility and reducing the risk of injury. A proper warm-up routine should include dynamic stretches and movements specific to the upcoming activity.
In addition to warm-up exercises, maintaining good posture is essential to preventing latissimus dorsi pain. Slouching or poor posture can strain the muscle and lead to discomfort. Drinking plenty of water, especially before and after exercising, can also help prevent pain and promote muscle recovery.
Most cases of latissimus dorsi pain can be managed with rest, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen. However, severe or persistent pain may require further medical attention and treatment options such as surgery.
Triceps: The Counter to Biceps
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The lats muscle, or latissimus dorsi, is the widest muscle in the human body. It is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back.
The lats muscle helps with arm movement, particularly bringing the arm towards the body, and extending the arm behind the body. It also assists with breathing, helping to expand the chest during inhalation.
The lats muscle is prone to muscle pulls, strains and tears. If you are experiencing pain in the lats muscle, which spans each side of the back, you should consult a healthcare professional.
![LAT Machine Pulldown [Bells of Steel] LAT Pulldown Machines | Weight Stacks for LAT Machine Home Gym | 550lb Cable Capacity, LAT Pull Down Machine 1:1 Pull Ratio](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61l6Ukc0rrL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
