Muscle
Rhomboid major
Draws the shoulder blade toward the spine
High-yield
Rhomboid major pulls the scapula inward and turns its socket downward. Its principal nerve is dorsal scapular, mainly C5.
Overview
Beneath trapezius, rhomboid major connects upper thoracic spinous processes to the medial scapular border below its spine. It retracts the blade and contributes to downward rotation and chest-wall support.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Spinous processes of T2–T5
- Insertion
- Medial border of the scapula inferior to the scapular spine
- Action
- Retracts and assists elevation/downward rotation of the scapula; helps hold it against the thorax
- Innervation
- Dorsal scapular nerve, mainly C5, sometimes with C4 contribution
- Blood supply
- Branches of the dorsal scapular artery
Clinical correlation
Dorsal scapular nerve dysfunction may weaken retraction and produce subtle lateral scapular winging. Several muscles control the blade, so its position reflects their combined function.
Frequently asked questions
What does the rhomboid major do?
Retracts and assists elevation/downward rotation of the scapula; helps hold it against the thorax.
What nerve innervates the rhomboid major?
The rhomboid major is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve, mainly C5, sometimes with C4 contribution.
Where does the rhomboid major attach?
Origin: Spinous processes of T2–T5. Insertion: Medial border of the scapula inferior to the scapular spine.
What is the blood supply of the rhomboid major?
Branches of the dorsal scapular artery.