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The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly known as the 'lats', is a large, flat muscle that occupies the majority of the lower posterior thorax. It is one of the largest muscles in the back, stretching across the back and sides, behind the arms. The latissimus dorsi muscle is responsible for several functions, including extension, adduction, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also assists in climbing, swimming, and other physical activities. The muscle can be injured during sports or exercise, and tightness in this muscle can contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Latissimus Dorsi, Lats |
| Location | Lower posterior thorax, back |
| Type | Flat, broad muscle |
| Function | Upper extremity movement, accessory respiratory muscle |
| Innervation | Thoracodorsal nerve (C6-C8), sixth, seventh, and eighth cervical nerves |
| Blood Supply | Thoracodorsal branch of the subscapular artery |
| Attachments | Vertebral processes of spinal levels T7-L5, spinous processes, thoracolumbar fascia, posterior iliac crest, lower ribs, scapula |
| Associated Muscles | Teres Major, Pectoralis Major |
| Actions | Adduction, extension, internal rotation of the shoulder, lateral flexion of the lumbar spine, forced expiration |
| Injuries | Muscle pulls, strains, tears, sports injuries (golf, baseball, swimming, etc.), chronic shoulder/back pain |
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What You'll Learn
- The latissimus dorsi muscle is a large, flat muscle on the back
- It is commonly referred to as the 'lats', especially in bodybuilding
- The muscle is involved in upper extremity movement and is a respiratory accessory muscle
- It is implicated in chronic shoulder and back pain
- The latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise or sports
The latissimus dorsi muscle is a large, flat muscle on the back
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the "'lats", especially among bodybuilders, is one of the largest muscles in the back. It is a broad, flat muscle that covers most of the lower posterior thorax. The latissimus dorsi is responsible for several functions, including extension, adduction, transverse extension, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also plays a role in respiratory functions, assisting in forced expiration and inspiration.
The muscle originates from various locations, including the vertebral processes of spinal levels T7-L5, the thoracolumbar fascia, posterior iliac crest, lower ribs, and the inferior angle of the scapula. The number of dorsal vertebrae it attaches to varies from four to eight. The latissimus dorsi works together with the teres major and pectoralis major muscles to perform actions of the upper extremity, such as depressing the arm, adduction, medial rotation, and extension.
The latissimus dorsi is a climbing muscle, assisting in raising the trunk upwards when the arms are fixed overhead. It is essential in activities such as rowing, swimming, and chopping. It also plays a role in violent expiration, attaching to the ribs and compressing the thorax and abdomen during coughing or sneezing. The muscle helps in holding the scapula against the thorax during upper limb movements.
The latissimus dorsi can be prone to injuries, especially during exercises like pull-ups and bench presses or sports like golf, baseball, and swimming. Tightness in this muscle can contribute to chronic shoulder and back pain. Assessment and treatment of the latissimus dorsi muscle are crucial for maintaining proper function and addressing any pain or injuries.
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It is commonly referred to as the 'lats', especially in bodybuilding
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the lats, especially in bodybuilding, is a large, flat muscle on the back. It is one of the largest muscles of the back, stretching across the lower posterior thorax. The latissimus dorsi muscle originates from several locations, including the spinous processes of vertebrae T7-L5, the thoracolumbar fascia, posterior iliac crest, lower third or fourth ribs, and the inferior angle of the scapula.
The primary function of the lats is in upper extremity movement, but it also serves as a respiratory accessory muscle. The muscle is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, originating from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus (C6-8). Blood flow to the latissimus dorsi comes from the thoracodorsal branch of the subscapular artery, a branch of the axillary artery.
The lats work collaboratively with the teres major and pectoralis major muscles 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 also functions to pull the thorax or trunk upwards and forwards by rotating the scapula downward. This occurs when the upper limbs are extended overhead, such as when climbing or performing a pull-up.
The lats play a role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. They are also active during deep inspiration and forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing. The latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise, particularly during pull-ups and bench presses. Sports injuries, especially in golf, baseball, rowing, tennis, and swimming, can also cause lats muscle injuries.
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The muscle is involved in upper extremity movement and is a respiratory accessory muscle
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly known as the 'lats', is a large, flat muscle on the back that stretches to the sides, behind the arm. The muscle's primary function is in upper extremity movement.
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 role in the extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. The muscle is able to pull the inferior angle of the scapula in various directions, producing movements on the shoulder joint.
The latissimus dorsi also functions to pull the thorax or trunk upwards and forwards by rotating the scapula downward. This occurs when the upper limbs are extended overhead, as in climbing or performing a pull-up. The muscle is also active in moving the trunk forward and upward when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in performing a chin-up.
The latissimus dorsi is considered a respiratory accessory muscle. It is active during forceful respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing. It assists 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.
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It is implicated in chronic shoulder and back pain
The latissimus dorsi muscle, commonly referred to as the 'lats', is a large, flat muscle located in the upper back, stretching across the width of the back and tapering down to the hips. It originates from the spine and ribs and inserts into the humerus, the long bone of the upper arm. Due to its attachment to the arm and its ability to perform multiple functions, the latissimus dorsi plays a crucial role in upper body movement and stability. Its involvement in various movements also means that it is frequently implicated in chronic shoulder and back pain.
One of the primary functions of the latissimus dorsi is extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the shoulder joint. This means that it is responsible for bringing the arm down towards the body and rotating it inwards. When this movement is performed against resistance or with poor form, it can lead to strains or tears in the muscle fibres, resulting in acute or chronic pain. Individuals who participate in sports or activities that involve repetitive overhead motions, such as swimming, tennis, or weightlifting, are particularly susceptible to latissimus dorsi injuries that can lead to chronic pain.
The latissimus dorsi is also involved in maintaining proper posture and spinal stability. A weak or imbalanced latissimus dorsi muscle can contribute to poor posture, especially if the chest and front shoulder muscles are tight and overpower the lats. This can lead to a rounding of the shoulders and upper back, a condition known as kyphosis. Over time, this abnormal spinal curvature can place excessive strain on the latissimus dorsi, resulting in chronic pain and discomfort.
Additionally, the latissimus dorsi muscle is indirectly involved in low back pain due to its attachment to the thoracolumbar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that covers the lower back and provides stability to the spine. When the latissimus dorsi is tight or tense, it can pull on the thoracolumbar fascia, causing an increase in lumbar lordosis (the natural curve of the lower back) and subsequent low back pain. This is particularly common in individuals who sit for prolonged periods with a slouched posture, as the lats remain in a shortened position and become chronically tight.
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The latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise or sports
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle that covers the width of the middle and lower back. It is one of the largest muscles in the back and is commonly referred to as the 'lats', especially among bodybuilders. The latissimus dorsi is responsible for various functions, including extension, adduction, transverse extension, flexion from an extended position, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also plays a role in respiratory functions such as coughing and sneezing.
Due to its crucial role in upper body movement and its involvement in various physical activities, the latissimus dorsi can be injured during exercise or sports. Common causes of latissimus dorsi injuries include:
- Overuse: Participating in physical activities that involve repetitive or excessive movements that engage the latissimus dorsi, such as pulling and throwing, can lead to overuse injuries.
- Improper technique: Using poor technique or form during exercises or sports that engage the latissimus dorsi can increase the risk of injury. This includes not warming up properly before exercising or maintaining good posture.
- Specific sports: Certain sports that involve pulling the body upward and forward while the arms are overhead, such as rowing, pull-ups, or swimming, can place significant stress on the latissimus dorsi, leading to injuries. Other high-risk sports include golf, baseball, skiing, tennis, and rock climbing.
- Trauma: In some cases, a traumatic event, such as a fall or collision during sports, can result in a latissimus dorsi injury, including muscle tears.
Injuries to the latissimus dorsi can cause pain in various areas, including the back, shoulders, scapula, arms, and even the fingers. Diagnosis of a latissimus dorsi injury typically involves a manual muscle test, and treatment often includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE protocol) along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be recommended to restore muscle function and improve recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
The latissimus dorsi muscle, or 'lats', is a large, flat muscle on the back, stretching across the lower posterior thorax.
The primary function of the latissimus dorsi is in upper extremity movement. It also serves as a respiratory accessory muscle.
The name 'latissimus dorsi' comes from Latin and means "broadest [muscle] of the back", with "latissimus" meaning "broadest" and "dorsum" meaning "back".
The latissimus dorsi muscle assists in the breathing process by enhancing the movements of the trunk during inhalation and exhalation. During inhalation, the muscle lifts and expands the rib cage, which may increase the volume of air that enters the lungs. During exhalation, it helps decrease the circumference of the trunk, which may help squeeze more air out.
Common exercises that engage the latissimus dorsi include pull-ups, chin-ups, bent-over rows, pull-downs, weightlifting, and bench presses.
