Overview
Origin
- posterior axial skeleton
Insertion
- scapula
- upper humerus
Function
- retract the scapula
- depress & elevate the scapula
- Rotate the scapula upward and downward
- assists in labored breathing
Innervation
- posterior rami
- spinal accessory nerve
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.
Anomalies, Etc.
Extrinsic back muscles are typically less variant than other muscles. However, the levator scapula muscle has a high percentage of variability. For more information, look at the detailed anatomy post on each muscle.
The Extrinsic Back Muscles
These posts on anatomy contain information about the origin, insertion, function, and innervation of muscles. They also include information on functional considerations and anomalies.
This is also the place to find all posts related to these anatomical structures. Those related posts include treatment routines and associated posts related to a bone, ligament, etc.
Trapezius – Functional Anatomy
Latissimus Dorsi- Functional Anatomy
Rhomboid Major and Minor Muscles – Functional Anatomy
Levator Scapula – Functional Anatomy
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Tony Preston has a practice in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sees clients. He has written materials and instructed classes since the mid-90s. This includes anatomy, trigger points, cranial, and neuromuscular.
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*This site is undergoing significant changes. We are reformatting and expanding the posts to make them easier to read. The result will also be more accessible and include more patterns with better self-care. Meanwhile, there may be formatting, content presentation, and readability inconsistencies. Until we get older posts updated, please excuse our mess.