Rhomboids - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• Rhomboid Major

  • Spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae
    

• Rhomboid Minor

  • Nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7 to T1 vertebrae

Insertion:

• Rhomboid Major

  • Medial border (below spine) of the scapula, inferior to the insertion of rhomboid minor muscle
    

• Rhomboid Minor

  • Superior (below spine), medial border of the scapula (below levator scapulae, superior to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle)

Major Artery:

• Dorsal scapular artery

Neural Innervation:

• Dorsal scapular nerve (C4-C5)

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• Adduction (retraction) & downward rotation of the scapula

Eccentric Functions:

• Decelerates scapular abduction (protraction) and upward rotation

Isometric Function:

• Dynamically stabilizes the scapula which helps the rotator cuff enough stability to work efficiently

Related Muscles

• Trapezius (middle & lower)

• Levator Scapula

• Rhomboids

Antagonists:

• Serratus Anterior

Exercises:

More Images of the Rhomboids Muscle

More Information about the Rhomboids Muscle

The rhomboids muscle is named so because of its rhomboidal shape.

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