Muscle Review – Rhomboid major and minor
Muscle Review
Rhomboid minor
Origin: inferior end of the ligamentum nuchae, spines of vertebrae C7 and T1
Insertion: medial border of the scapula at the root of the spine of the scapula
Innervation: dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
Action: retracts, elevates and rotates the scapula inferiorly
Notes & Tips
The rhomboid minor is named for its shape. It is located immediately superior to the rhomboid major, and they perform the same action.
Rhomboid major
Origin: spines of vertebrae T2-T5
Insertion: medial border of the scapula inferior to the spine of the scapula
Innervation: dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
Action: retracts, elevates and rotates the scapula inferiorly
Notes & Tips
The rhomboid major is also named for its shape.
Rhomboid minor inserts at the root of the spine of the scapula, and rhomboid major inserts at the medial border inferior to the root of the spine. Refer to the Bone Review in Lesson 1 for details on the structure and features of the scapula.
The pectoralis minor and the serratus anterior both protract the scapula which opposes scapular retraction produced by the rhomboid muscles.