The back is a complex region of the body composed of various muscles that work together to support the spine, facilitate movement, and maintain posture. Some of the key muscles in the back include:
Trapezius:
Location: Upper back and neck.
Function: Movements of the shoulder blades, including elevation, retraction, and rotation.
Parts: Upper fibers, middle fibers, lower fibers.
Latissimus dorsi:
Location: Mid-to-lower back.
Function: Shoulder movements, including extension, adduction, and medial rotation.
Origin: Lower spine and iliac crest.
Insertion: Upper arm (humerus).
Erector spinae:
Location: Along the length of the spine on either side.
Function: Maintain posture, extend the spine, and control movement of the torso.
Components: Iliocostalis, longissimus, and spinalis muscles.
Rhomboids:
Location: Between the shoulder blades and the spine.
Function: Retraction of the shoulder blades and stabilization of the shoulder girdle.
Components: Rhomboid major and rhomboid minor.
Levator scapulae:
Location: Upper cervical vertebrae to the upper border of the scapula.
Function: Elevation and rotation of the scapula, assisting in movements such as shrugging and tilting the head to the side.
