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Latissimus dorsi — Anatomy Notes, Diagram & Quiz
The Latissimus dorsi is located in the back. Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus. The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back.
Key facts
| Location | Back |
|---|---|
| Main function | Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus. |
| Layer | superficial muscles |
| Key fact 1 | The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back. |
| Key fact 2 | The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm. |
| Key fact 3 | The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle". |
Where is the Latissimus dorsi located?
The Latissimus dorsi is located in the back.
The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back.
What does the Latissimus dorsi do?
Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus.
The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.
What to know for exams
- The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back.
- The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.
- The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
It belongs to the superficial muscles layer. Learn its location, relations, and the structures it works with.
Clinical relevance
The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
Link the latissimus dorsi to its blood supply, innervation and relations. That is how exam questions usually test it.
Memory aid: Latissimus dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back. The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm. The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
Chain it as location → function → clinical link when you revise.
Latissimus dorsi anatomy quiz
Five questions. Open each answer after you commit to a response.
-
Where is the Latissimus dorsi located?
Reveal answer
Back
-
What is the main function of the Latissimus dorsi?
Reveal answer
Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus.
-
Give one key fact about the Latissimus dorsi.
Reveal answer
The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back.
-
Give another key fact about the Latissimus dorsi.
Reveal answer
The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.
-
What clinical link is associated with the Latissimus dorsi?
Reveal answer
The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
Common questions
Where is the Latissimus dorsi located?
The Latissimus dorsi is located in the back. The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back.
What does the Latissimus dorsi do?
Extends, adducts, and medially rotates humerus. The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm.
What is a key fact about the Latissimus dorsi?
The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
What layer does the Latissimus dorsi belong to?
It belongs to the superficial muscles layer of the body.
What should I remember for exams?
The latissimus dorsi is a broad muscle of the lower back. The latissimus dorsi extends, adducts, and medially rotates the arm. The latissimus dorsi is often called the "swimmer's muscle".
Sources
- Standring, S. (ed.). Gray’s Anatomy, 42nd edition. Elsevier, 2020.
- TeachMeAnatomy — anatomy library
- Kenhub — anatomy library
- StatPearls / NCBI Bookshelf — Latissimus dorsi search
3D atlas and image credits
Anatomy models: BodyParts3D, © Database Center for Life Science (DBCLS), CC BY-SA 2.1 Japan. Écorché by Charleeh, derived from BodyParts3D and Z-Anatomy, CC BY-SA 4.0. Rendered in anotemy. Changes: highlighting, framing, labels and background removal. Images: CC BY-SA 4.0.
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