Maximus Gage
The thoracic spine is the middle section of the spine, starting at the base of the neck and ending at the bottom of the rib cage. It is surrounded by muscles that help with movement and flexibility. The four major groups of muscles in the thoracic spine are the superficial, intermediate, deep, and intercostal muscles. The rotatores thoracis are the most developed of the rotatores muscles, which are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group. The four main movers of the thoracic spine are the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and the levator scapula, and the semispinalis and splenius on the back. The latissimus dorsi is a broad back muscle that runs from the lower thoracic vertebrae to the upper arm bone. It is responsible for extending, adducting, and internally rotating the upper arm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Vertebrae | 12 |
| Shape | Kyphotic Curve (Reverse C-Shaped) |
| Muscle Groups | Superficial, Intermediate, Deep, Intercostals |
| Superficial Group | Trapezius |
| Intermediate Group | Serratus Posterior Superior, Serratus Posterior Inferior |
| Deep Group | Multifidus |
| Intercostal Group | External Intercostals, Internal Intercostals |
| Transversospinalis Group | Semispinalis, Rotatores, Multifidus |
| Rotatores | 11 pairs of small quadrilateral muscles |
| Transversospinalis Function | Stabilise spinal segments |
| Serratus Posterior Superior Function | Elevate ribs, aiding respiration |
| Serratus Posterior Inferior Function | Draw lower ribs backwards and downwards, assist in trunk rotation and extension |
| Latissimus Dorsi Function | Extend, adduct and internally rotate the upper arm |
| Rhomboids Function | Pull the shoulder blades back |
| Levator Scapula Function | Elevate |
| Trapezius Function | Rotate, elevate, and depress the scapula |
| Rotator Cuff | Can be damaged by lack of thoracic mobility |
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What You'll Learn
Trapezius
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. The muscle is divided into three parts: descending (superior), ascending (inferior), and middle. The trapezius has many attachment points, extending from the skull and vertebral column to the shoulder girdle. The muscle is considered superficial and is a part of the musculoskeletal system.
The main function of the trapezius is to stabilize the scapula in its anatomical place, as well as control it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb. The muscle is involved in the upward rotation of the scapula, along with the serratus anterior muscle. This allows us to raise our arms above our heads beyond the level of the shoulder. The trapezius also works with the levator scapulae muscle to elevate the scapula at the scapulothoracic joint.
The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. Some key muscle pairings include the rhomboids, which work closely with the trapezius to retract and stabilize the scapula, and the levator scapulae, which elevates the scapula and works with the upper trapezius to lift and rotate the shoulder.
The trapezius is involved in many motions throughout the day, including turning the head to either side, maintaining and adjusting posture, twisting the torso, shrugging the shoulders, and moving the shoulder during arm lifts or throwing actions.
The trapezius muscles are less commonly injured than other muscles, but pain can be caused by overuse, injuries, nerve damage, or stress.
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Rhomboid minor
The rhomboid minor is an extrinsic muscle of the shoulder and back. It is located deep to the trapezius muscle, and superior to the rhomboid major muscle. The rhomboid minor muscle is one of the superficial muscles of the upper back. It is a narrow, quadrilateral type of skeletal muscle.
The rhomboid minor muscle originates from the spinous processes of the C7-T1 vertebrae and attaches to the medial border of the scapula, at the level of the spine of the scapula. The fibres of the rhomboid minor travel inferolaterally and insert onto the portion of the medial border of the scapula that lies adjacent to the spine of the scapula.
The rhomboid minor muscle acts to retract and rotate the scapula, pulling it towards the vertebral column. This muscle is critical for stabilizing the scapula (shoulder blade) and plays a role in shoulder stabilization by anchoring the scapula against the rib cage.
The rhomboid minor can be tested by holding the hand on the posterior aspect of the hip, then pushing the elbow backwards against resistance, during which the muscle can be palpated.
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Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle in the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arm, and is partly covered by the trapezius on the back near the midline. The name "latissimus dorsi" comes from Latin and means "broadest [muscle] of the back". The pair of muscles are often referred to as "lats", especially among bodybuilders. The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body and covers almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius.
Functionally, the latissimus dorsi muscle belongs to the muscles of the scapular motion. This muscle can pull the inferior angle of the scapula in various directions, producing movements on the shoulder joint; internal rotation, adduction, and extension of the arm. It also has a synergistic role in 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 during a pull-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. 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 thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C6 to C8, with C7 predominant), provides innervation to the latissimus dorsi.
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 latissimus dorsi is also active during deep inspiration and with forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
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Serratus Posterior Superior
The serratus posterior superior is a thin, four-sided muscle located in the upper portion of the thoracic spine. It is part of the intermediate group of extrinsic back muscles, along with the serratus posterior inferior. This group of muscles is situated deep to the rhomboids and trapezius muscles. The serratus posterior superior originates from the C7-T3 vertebrae spinous process and the nuchal ligament, inserting at the upper border of the second to fifth ribs.
The function of the serratus posterior superior muscle is debated, but it is generally believed to play a role in respiration. It elevates the ribs during inspiration, aiding in breathing. The muscle is innervated by the intercostal nerves T2-T5 and may be involved in causing myofascial pain syndrome, particularly shoulder pain.
To expose the serratus posterior superior muscle for massage or other purposes, it is necessary to manoeuvre the shoulder blade. This can be done by crossing the arm to the opposite side, which moves the shoulder blade away and allows better access to the muscle. Once a trigger point is found, a massage ball or trigger fairy can be used to apply slow, precise movements or circular motions to the area.
The serratus posterior superior muscle is also associated with a condition known as scapulocostal syndrome, which is characterised by pain and paresthesia along the medial border of the scapula. This pain can radiate to the neck, chest, and upper extremities. Scapulocostal syndrome can be caused by improper posture or inappropriate use of the muscle, such as holding a phone between the ear and shoulder.
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Rotatores muscles
The rotatores muscles are a set of short muscles located laterally along the vertebral column. They are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group, which is a deep layer of intrinsic back muscles. The rotatores muscles are attached between the transverse and spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae. They are also the deepest and shortest transversospinal muscles.
The rotatores muscles can be divided into three subgroups: the rotatores colli/cervicis, the rotatores thoracis, and the rotatores lumborum. The first and last subgroups are often inconsistent and can be replaced by deep fibres of the multifidus, with the emphasis usually being placed on the rotatores thoracis as they are the most developed. There are eleven pairs of small quadrilateral muscles, each segment containing a rotator brevis and rotator longus. The first pair is between T1 and T2, and the last is between T11 and T12. The first or last pair can sometimes be absent.
The rotatores muscles function as stabilizers, extensors, and rotators of the spine. They are also identified as thoracic rotators and back extensors in many texts. However, studies have shown that they have a minimal contribution to spine movements. Instead, they act as stabilizers of the spinal column, serving as extensible ligaments that adjust their length to support adjacent vertebrae.
The rotatores muscles are innervated by the medial branches of the dorsal rami of spinal nerves. They receive arterial blood from the dorsal branches of the posterior intercostal and lumbar arteries, which arise from the supreme intercostal artery and thoracic aorta.
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Frequently asked questions
The muscles that rotate the thoracic spine include the sternocleidomastoid, levator scapula, semispinalis, splenius, and rotatores. The latissimus dorsi, serratus posterior superior, and serratus posterior inferior muscles also play a role in thoracic rotation.
The rotatores muscles are the deepest muscles in the transversospinalis group and are responsible for spinal stability and proprioception. They assist in powering all limb movements and have a role in dynamic stabilization.
To improve thoracic rotation, you can try exercises such as the Pallof Press, which is an "anti-rotation" exercise. You can also try the thoracic rotation mobility drill: begin in position A, open up the shoulders while taking a deep breath, and then lower the top shoulder down towards the floor to reach position B. On exhalation, sink further into the stretch, hold for about 5 seconds, and then return to position A. Repeat this cycle 10 times in each direction.
Limited thoracic mobility can result in early rotator cuff damage and issues throughout the kinetic chain, including the elbow, back, hips, and knees. It is important to train the muscles for strength and motor control to maximize power through rotation and reduce the rotational load on the lumbar spine.
