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Torso Muscles

Rotatores and Multifidi – Functional Anatomy

Multifidi and Rotatores The anatomy studies and illustrations of the multifidus and rotatores vary a great deal. In general, They anchor near the base of the transverse process of a vertebra. Then, strands of muscle extend to spinous processes of the five vertebrae above them. There are exceptions to that generalization. Overall Structure Multifidi and […]

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Extrinsic Back Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Overview Origin Insertion Function Innervation Labored Breathing In labored breathing, extrinsic back muscles stabilize and retract the scapula. This allows the deep extrinsic chest muscles to expand the rib cage and increase breathing capacity. Extrinsic back muscles are typically less variant than other muscles. However, the levator scapula muscle has a high percentage of variability.

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Trapezius – Functional Anatomy

Overview Trapezius anatomy is complex. Basically, the trapezius is a broad, flat muscle covering the upper back. It is named for the trapezoid shape that these paired muscles create. It has three major sections that originate on the axial skeleton and insert on the pectoral girdle, making it an extrinsic back muscle. Each section has

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Rhomboid Major and Minor Muscles – Functional Anatomy

Rhomboid Muscles The anatomy of the rhomboid major and minor seems straightforward. These muscles attach the upper thoracic and lower cervical vertebrae to the scapula. Consequently, these muscles trap the ribs, sternum, and clavicle between their attachments. Rhomboid Minor Origin Insertion Function Rhomboid Major: Origin Insertion Function The rhomboid major and minor are usually thought of

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Levator Scapula – Functional Anatomy

Overview The Levator scapula is a ropy extrinsic back muscle that connects the scapula to the upper cervical vertebrae. Its function and variations are more involved than most muscles. Origin Insertion Function Nerve As the name implies, it elevates the scapula. This action assists in the downward rotation of the scapula. Anchoring the upper extremity

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Extrinsic Chest Muscles – Functional Anatomy

The anatomy of the extrinsic chest muscles is more complicated than the first glance suggests. They originate on the front of the axial skeleton and insert on the upper extremity. Generally speaking, they protract the scapula and draw the humerus toward the midline. This arrangement gets a little more complicated with the pectoralis major. The

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Subclavius- Functional Anatomy

The subclavius is a short, thick triangular muscle along the inferior aspect of the clavicle. Origin – first rib Insertion – medial clavicle. Function – lowers clavicle. The origin is a flat tendon that attaches on the first rib, near the sternal cartilage. It gradually transitions to muscle fibers. The insertion is a tendon that

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Serratus Anterior – Functional Anatomy

Overview The serratus anterior has complex and variable anatomy. It is a broad, flat muscle with multiple bellies. It usually has eight sections, connecting the scapula’s vertebral border to each of the first eight ribs. Therefore, this structure makes it an extrinsic chest muscle. It is on the lateral trunk, under the scapula, extending like

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Pectoralis Minor – Functional Anatomy

Overview Pectoralis minor is a fan-shaped muscle in the front of the shoulder. Notably, its anatomy has frequent variations. Basically, it secures the coracoid process of the scapula to the rib cage. Superficially, the pectoralis major covers the pectoralis minor. Overview of Pectoralis Minor Anatomy Origin Insertion Function Innervation Anomalies are clinically significant on attachments and innervation.

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