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The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the lats, are the broadest muscles of the back. They are triangular in shape and are located below the shoulder blade, extending from the shoulder blades, across the back, and down to the pelvis. The lats are responsible for several functions, including arm movement, spinal extension, and assisting with breathing. They are also important for activities such as pull-ups, climbing, and swimming. The lats are controlled by the long scapular nerve, also known as the thoracodorsal nerve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Latissimus Dorsi, Lats |
| Location | Lower posterior thorax, below the shoulder blade, left and right of the spine |
| Shape | Triangular, broad, flat |
| Size | One of the largest muscles of the back |
| Function | Extension, adduction, transverse extension, flexion from an extended position, internal rotation of the shoulder joint, accessory respiratory muscle |
| Attachments | Vertebral processes of spinal levels T7-L5, humerus, teres major, pectoralis major |
| Innervation | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8), sixth, seventh, and eighth cervical nerves |
| Blood Supply | Thoracodorsal artery |
| Exercises | Rowing, pull-ups, chin-ups, dumbbell rows, swimming, climbing |
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What You'll Learn
- The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body
- It is a large, flat muscle that occupies the lower posterior thorax
- The lats are involved in the breathing process
- They are found below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine
- The latissimus dorsi is a climbing, rowing, and swimming muscle
The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the "lats", are the widest muscles in the human body. They are large, flat, and triangular back muscles located below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine. The lats help to stabilise the back while the shoulders are in motion. They extend from the shoulder blades, across the back, and down to the pelvis.
The latissimus dorsi muscles are considered "accessory breathing muscles", as they enhance the movements of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation. They lift the rib cage during inhalation, which may increase the volume of air that enters the lungs, and help to decrease the circumference of the trunk during exhalation, which may have the effect of squeezing more air out.
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. They are important muscles for 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 muscles are a potential source of muscle for breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. They can also be used to correct pectoral hypoplastic defects, such as Poland's syndrome. For heart patients with low cardiac output, a procedure called cardiomyoplasty may be performed, which involves wrapping the latissimus dorsi muscles around the heart and electrostimulating them in synchrony with ventricular systole.
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It is a large, flat muscle that occupies the lower posterior thorax
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the "lats", is a large, flat muscle located in the lower posterior thorax. It is one of the largest muscles in the human body and is essential for various functions, including breathing and movement.
The lats are triangular back muscles that extend from the shoulder blades, across the back, and down to the pelvis. They play a crucial role in stabilising the back and shoulders, enabling movements such as pull-ups, climbing, and swimming. The muscle's broad, flat shape allows it to cover a large surface area and provide stability to the upper body.
The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle that assists in pulling the trunk upward and forward when the arms are fixed overhead. This muscle is active during deep inspiration and forceful expiration, as it attaches to the ribs and aids in compressing the rib cage during coughing and sneezing. Its respiratory function is further emphasised by its role as an accessory breathing muscle, enhancing trunk movements during inhalation and exhalation.
The latissimus dorsi is also involved in the movement of the scapula and the shoulder joint. It can pull the inferior angle of the scapula in various directions, resulting in internal rotation, adduction, and extension of the arm. This muscle works in conjunction with other muscles, such as the teres major and pectoralis major, to achieve these movements.
The lats are a source of strength and stability for the upper body, contributing to various athletic and daily movements. Their broad attachment points and flat shape make them versatile and essential muscles for maintaining posture, breathing, and physical activities.
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The lats are involved in the breathing process
The latissimus dorsi muscles, or "lats", are triangular back muscles located below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine. They are the largest muscles on the back and are essential for several functions, including breathing.
The lats are accessory breathing muscles, which means they enhance the movements of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation. When you inhale, the lats lift and expand the circumference of the rib cage, increasing the volume of air that enters the lungs. During exhalation, the latissimus dorsi muscles help decrease the circumference of the trunk, squeezing more air out of the lungs.
The lats are also active during forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing. During a cough or sneeze, the muscle can be felt pressing forcibly inward, as it acts to compress the thorax and abdomen.
In addition to their role in breathing, the lats help stabilise the back and move the shoulders, enabling activities such as pull-ups, climbing, and swimming. They are responsible for several movements of the shoulder joint, including extension, adduction, transverse extension, and internal rotation.
The lats are a potential source of muscle for breast reconstruction surgery and can be used to correct certain congenital defects. They are also involved in cardiomyoplasty, a procedure that supports the heart in patients with low cardiac output who are not candidates for cardiac transplantation.
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They are found below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine
The lateral muscles are those found below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine. The shoulder blade, or scapula, is a flat, triangular-shaped bone with two surfaces, three borders, three angles, and three processes. It is one of three bones that make up the shoulder joint, connecting the collarbone to the upper arm bone. The scapula is connected to more than a dozen muscles, tendons, and ligaments, including the lateral muscles.
The lateral muscles of the scapula include the teres major, levator scapulae, rhomboideus minor, rhomboideus major, and inferior belly of omohyoid. These muscles attach to the medial border of the scapula, which is the longest of its three borders. The teres major, for example, attaches to the scapula near the inferior angle, while the levator scapulae inserts along the dorsal aspect of the medial border, from the superior angle up to the root of the spine.
The scapula also has a lateral surface, which is its outside edge that points toward the upper arm bone. This lateral surface includes several important structures, such as the glenoid fossa, which forms the back of the shoulder socket, and the supraglenoid tubercle, which is where the biceps muscle attaches. The lateral surface also includes the infraglenoid tubercle, which is the attachment site for the triceps muscle.
The lateral muscles of the scapula play a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability. They work in coordination with other muscle groups, such as the intermediate and intrinsic back muscles, to enable a wide range of shoulder motions. The lateral muscles also help to stabilize the scapula and control its rotation, ensuring smooth and efficient shoulder function.
In summary, the lateral muscles are found below the shoulder blade and to the left and right of the spine. They attach to the scapula, particularly along its medial border and lateral surface, and contribute to the complex network of muscles that support and move the shoulder joint.
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The latissimus dorsi is a climbing, rowing, and swimming muscle
The latissimus dorsi, or "lats", are the broadest muscles of the back. They are a pair of large, flat, sweeping muscles that occupy the majority of the lower posterior thorax. The name "latissimus dorsi" comes from the Latin words "latissimus" (meaning "broadest") and "dorsum" (meaning "back"). These muscles are located below the shoulder blade, on each side of the spine, and extend down to the pelvis.
The latissimus dorsi muscles are often referred to as climbing muscles because they help raise the trunk upward when the arms are fixed above the head. They are also important for stabilising the back and extending the shoulders, which is essential for activities like pull-ups, vertical climbing, and swimming.
The lats are also considered rowing muscles as they are heavily recruited during horizontal pulling movements such as rows. They are active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed, as in the action of rowing.
The latissimus dorsi are further recognised as swimming muscles due to their many actions associated with movements of swimming. They are particularly active during the downstroke in swimming.
In addition to these primary functions, the latissimus dorsi muscles also assist with breathing. They are accessory breathing muscles, enhancing the movements of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation.
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Frequently asked questions
The latissimus dorsi, commonly known as the lats, is a large, flat muscle found in the human body.
The latissimus dorsi is located in the lower posterior thorax, below the shoulder blade, and to the left and right of the spine.
The primary function of the latissimus dorsi is related to the upper extremity. It is also considered a respiratory accessory muscle, assisting with breathing.
The latissimus dorsi originates from several locations, including the spinous processes of vertebrae, the thoracolumbar fascia, and the ribs.
You can strengthen your latissimus dorsi by performing exercises such as rowing, swimming, pull-ups, and weightlifting.
