LATISSIMUS DORSI

ORIGIN

Spinous processes of thoracic T7-T12, 9th to 12th ribs, the lumbar and sacral vertebrae (via the thoracolumbar fascia), and the posterior third of the external lip of the iliac crest. Occasionally by a slip from the posterior surface of the inferior angle of the scapula

 

INSERTION

Ends as a flattened tendon in front of the attachment of teres major to the floor of the bicipital groove of the humerus. As the muscle curves around the inferolateral border of teres major, the fiber bundles of latissimus dorsi rotate around each other, so that fibers that originate lowest insert highest on the humerus, and fibers that originate highest insert lowest on the humerus

 

ACTION

Adducts, extends and internally rotates the arm at the shoulder

 

INNERVATION

Thoracodorsal nerve (C6 – C8)

 

PRIMARY JOINT

Glenohumeral joint

 

KEY STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISES

Pull ups

Cable rows

Lat pull down

 

NEW STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISES

Catch and overhead throw

Kneeling high pulley row

Lats-foam roll

 

COMMON INJURIES

Straining/stiffness

Tightness affecting other muscles of the back