Muscle Anatomy

latissimus dorsi

The latissimus dorsi covers a very wide area of the lower half and upper sides of the back.

Origin

The latissimus dorsi originates on the spinous processes of the lower thoracic and all the lumbar vertebrae, the back of the sacrum, the crest of the ilium, and the lower three ribs.

Insertion

It inserts on the upper anterior side of the humerus by a flat tendon attached parallel to the upper portion of the pectoralis major insertion.

Function

Pulls the shoulders downward and to the back.