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The rhomboid muscles are a group of muscles in the upper back, formed by the rhomboid major and minor. They are located under the trapezius muscle and are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. The rhomboid muscles are rhombus-shaped and are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, receiving their vascular supply from the dorsal scapular artery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Rhomboid/Rhombus-shaped |
| Number of muscles | Two on each side of the upper back |
| Muscle types | Rhomboid major, rhomboid minor |
| Muscle shape | Quadrangular (rhomboid major), cylindrical (rhomboid minor) |
| Muscle size | Large (rhomboid major), small (rhomboid minor) |
| Muscle function | Retracts and rotates the scapula, elevates and retracts the scapula, fixes and <co: 0,5,8>stabilizes the scapula, anchors the scapula, stabilizes the shoulder |
| Innervation | Dorsal scapular nerve (C4-C5), a branch of the brachial plexus |
| Vascular supply | Dorsal scapular artery, deep branch of transverse cervical artery |
| Muscle movement | Upper limb movement, scapular movement |
| Muscle pain | Mid back tightness, aching between the shoulder blades, upper back pain |
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What You'll Learn
The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle
The rhomboids are a group of muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. These muscles are located deep to the trapezius to form parallel bands that pass from the vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula. The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle located inferior to the rhomboid minor. It is thin and flat and twice as wide as the rhomboid minor. The rhomboid major arises from the four spinous processes of T2-5 and the supraspinous ligaments adjoining them. The insertion of the muscle onto the scapula extends from the inferior angle to the base of the scapular spine.
The rhomboid major and minor muscles are a group of deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that, together with the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis muscles, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior, form the shoulder girdle. The shoulder girdle is important for the movement of the upper extremity and stabilization of the shoulder through articulation with the trunk. The rhomboids are also vital to actions such as pulling and have been shown to play a large role in throwing and overhead arm movement.
The motor function of the rhomboid muscles is controlled by the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN). The DSN originates from the ventral ramus of the spinal nerve root C5, and courses posterior inferiorly through the middle scalene muscles and between the posterior scalene, levator scapulae (to which it also provides innervation), and the serratus posterior superior. It continues deep to the brachial plexus to innervate both the rhomboid minor and major muscles at their anterior border.
The rhomboids are important in upper limb movement and stability of both the shoulder girdle and scapula. The serratus anterior, trapezius, and rhomboid major and minor work with the rhomboids to anchor the scapula and prevent winging. The rhomboids also work in conjunction with the levator scapulae to elevate and retract the scapula. Dysfunction, weakness, or loss of nerve function to the rhomboids causes winging of the medial border of the scapula and inferior scapular angle rotation.
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The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle
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. They are formed by the rhomboid major and minor. The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle that originates at the ligamentum nuchae and C7 and T1 vertebra. It inserts at the scapula's medial border near the base of the spine of the scapula. The rhomboid minor is a thin muscle that partially overlaps the superior portion of the rhomboid major.
The rhomboid minor extends obliquely in an inferolateral direction, with its insertion point at the base of the medial end of the spine of the scapula. The dorsal layer attaches dorsolaterally and inferiorly to the levator scapulae, while the ventral layer inserts inferomedially to the levator scapulae. At the insertion point of the ventral layer, the fasciae of the rhomboid minor and serratus anterior muscles unite.
The rhomboid minor muscle is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, which originates from the ventral ramus of the spinal nerve root C5. The nerve courses posteriorly and inferiorly through the middle scalene muscles and provides innervation to the levator scapulae. The dorsal scapular nerve then continues deep to the brachial plexus to innervate the rhomboid minor and major muscles at their anterior border.
The rhomboid minor muscle receives its vascular supply from the dorsal scapular artery, which generally arises from the second or third portion of the subclavian artery. The artery passes through the brachial plexus, where it joins and runs parallel to the dorsal scapular nerve. Together, the nerve and artery course inferiorly to supply the rhomboid muscles.
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Rhomboid muscles are associated with the scapula
The rhomboids are a group of muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. They are two bilateral, superficial muscles located in the upper back. They are associated with the scapula and are important for upper limb movement and stability of both the shoulder girdle and scapula.
The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle that originates at the ligamentum nuchae and C7 and T1 vertebra. It inserts 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. The origin of the rhomboid muscles is 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 rhomboids work in conjunction with the levator scapulae to elevate and retract the scapula. They also 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. Dysfunction, weakness, or loss of nerve function to the rhomboids causes winging of the medial border of the scapula and inferior scapular angle rotation.
The rhomboids are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, a branch of the brachial plexus. They receive arterial blood from three sources: the dorsal scapular artery and the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery. Both of these blood vessels stem from the thyrocervical trunk. The motor function of the rhomboid muscles is controlled by the dorsal scapular nerve.
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They are located in the upper back
The rhomboid muscles are located in the upper back. They are a collective group of muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. There are two rhomboid muscles on each side of the upper back. The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle located under the rhomboid minor. The rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle that originates at the ligamentum nuchae and C7 and T1 vertebra.
The rhomboids are covered by the trapezius muscle. They are deep intrinsic shoulder muscles that, together with the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, pectoralis muscles, latissimus dorsi, and serratus anterior, form the shoulder girdle. The rhomboids work with these muscles to anchor the scapula and prevent winging. The contraction of the rhomboids fixes and stabilizes the scapula into position, providing an anchor point for various muscles of the upper limb to act and a fulcrum for the upper limb to move.
The rhomboids are important in upper limb movement and stability of both the shoulder girdle and scapula. They receive innervation from the dorsal scapular nerve, and their vascular supply is from the dorsal scapular artery. The motor function of the rhomboid muscles is controlled by the dorsal scapular nerve, which originates from the ventral ramus of the spinal nerve root C5. The rhomboids receive arterial blood from three sources: the dorsal scapular artery, the deep branch of the transverse cervical artery, and the subclavian artery.
The rhomboids can have a great impact on upper body posture and shoulder mechanics. Strengthening the rhomboids can help relieve pain and improve upper body posture. The constant postural strain experienced by the rhomboids can make them dysfunctional. Rhomboid palsy, a common pathology specific to this muscle group, often occurs due to damage to the dorsal scapular nerve.
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Rhomboid palsy is a common pathology
Rhomboid muscles are rhombus-shaped muscles associated with the scapula. There are two rhomboid muscles on each side of the upper back: the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor. The rhomboid major is a quadrangular muscle, while the rhomboid minor is a cylindrical muscle. These muscles are important for upper limb movement and stability of the shoulder girdle and scapula. They receive innervation from the dorsal scapular nerve, which controls their motor function.
The correct diagnosis of rhomboid palsy is crucial as it can lead to a high level of disability in the upper limb if left untreated. EMG is the most specific diagnostic tool, showing prolonged muscle latency of the muscle action potential. Treatment typically involves a comprehensive rehabilitation approach, including pharmacological pain control, physical therapy, and psychological support if needed.
In summary, rhomboid palsy is a common pathology that affects the rhomboid muscles, causing pain and impairing shoulder function. Accurate diagnosis and early intervention are essential to prevent long-term disability and ensure satisfactory recovery of shoulder function.
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Frequently asked questions
The rhomboid muscles are rhombus-shaped.
Yes, there are two types of rhomboid muscles: the rhomboid minor and the rhomboid major.
The rhomboid muscles are located in the upper back, under the trapezius muscle.
