Rhomboid Major Flashcards

Learn the rhomboid major muscle's vertebral and scapular attachments, dorsal scapular innervation, movements, and clinical anatomy.

Card 1 of 24Question

What type of back muscle is the rhomboid major?

A superficial extrinsic back muscle that connects the vertebral column to the scapula.

In This Section

1. What type of back muscle is the rhomboid major?

A superficial extrinsic back muscle that connects the vertebral column to the scapula.

2. Where is the rhomboid major located?

In the upper back, extending from the upper thoracic vertebrae to the medial border of the scapula.

3. What is the origin of the rhomboid major?

The spinous processes of T2 to T5 vertebrae and their associated supraspinous ligaments.

4. Where does the rhomboid major insert?

The medial border of the scapula from the level of the scapular spine to the inferior angle.

5. What is the general direction of rhomboid major muscle fibers?

Inferolaterally from the thoracic spinous processes toward the medial border of the scapula.

6. Which muscle lies immediately superior to the rhomboid major?

The rhomboid minor.

7. Which large superficial back muscle covers the rhomboid major?

The trapezius muscle.

8. Which muscle lies deep to the rhomboid major along the posterior thoracic wall?

The serratus posterior superior muscle.

9. Which nerve supplies the rhomboid major?

The dorsal scapular nerve.

10. What is the primary spinal nerve root of the dorsal scapular nerve?

C5, with occasional contributions from C4.

11. From which part of the brachial plexus does the dorsal scapular nerve usually arise?

The C5 root of the brachial plexus.

12. Which muscle does the dorsal scapular nerve commonly pierce before reaching the rhomboids?

The middle scalene muscle.

13. What is the principal arterial supply of the rhomboid major?

The dorsal scapular artery.

14. From which artery does the dorsal scapular artery commonly arise?

The subclavian artery, often from its third part, although its origin varies.

15. What is the primary action of the rhomboid major?

Retraction, also called adduction, of the scapula toward the vertebral column.

16. What rotational movement of the scapula is produced by the rhomboid major?

Downward rotation, which turns the glenoid cavity inferiorly.

17. How does the rhomboid major contribute to scapular stability?

It holds the medial border of the scapula against the thoracic wall.

18. Which muscle works closely with the rhomboid major to retract the scapula?

The rhomboid minor.

19. Which part of the trapezius assists the rhomboid major during scapular retraction?

The middle fibers of the trapezius.

20. Which muscle works with the rhomboid major during downward rotation of the scapula?

The levator scapulae.

21. What movement is weakened by injury to the dorsal scapular nerve?

Scapular retraction, with possible impairment of downward rotation and stabilization.

22. What scapular position may develop with significant rhomboid weakness?

Lateral displacement of the scapula, sometimes with mild scapular winging.

23. How can the strength of the rhomboid major be assessed clinically?

By asking the patient to retract the scapula against resistance.

24. Where is pain associated with rhomboid major muscle strain commonly localized?

Along the medial border of the scapula in the upper thoracic back.