The back is a complex structure of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that work together to support the spine, protect the internal organs, and allow for a wide range of movements. Understanding the names and functions of the different back muscles can be helpful for fitness enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in improving their posture or alleviating back pain.
The back muscles can be broadly divided into two groups: the superficial muscles and the deep muscles. The superficial muscles are located closer to the skin and are responsible for the overall shape and appearance of the back. The deep muscles are located deeper in the body and are responsible for more specialized functions, such as supporting the spine and controlling movement.
In the following sections, we will provide a detailed overview of the names and functions of the major muscles in the back, starting with the superficial muscles and then moving on to the deep muscles.
names of muscles in back
Complex structure of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Superficial muscles: shape and appearance.
- Deep muscles: support spine, control movement.
- Trapezius: upper back, neck.
- Latissimus dorsi: middle back, lower back.
- Erector spinae: lower back, supports spine.
- Rhomboids: upper back, between shoulder blades.
- Levator scapulae: neck, upper back.
- Infraspinatus and teres minor: shoulder, rotation.
Understanding back muscles important for fitness, posture, pain relief.
Superficial muscles: shape and appearance.
The superficial muscles of the back play a crucial role in shaping and defining the overall appearance of the back. These muscles are located closer to the skin and can be seen and felt more easily compared to the deep muscles.
- Trapezius:
The trapezius is a large, triangular muscle that extends from the base of the skull to the middle of the back. It is responsible for supporting the head and neck, as well as assisting in shoulder movements.
- Latissimus dorsi:
The latissimus dorsi is a broad, flat muscle that covers the middle and lower back. It is also known as the "lats" and is responsible for adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the shoulder joint.
- Erector spinae:
The erector spinae is a group of three muscles that run along the length of the spine. These muscles are responsible for supporting the spine, maintaining posture, and assisting in back extension.
- Rhomboids:
The rhomboids are a pair of small, diamond-shaped muscles located between the shoulder blades. They help to retract and elevate the shoulder blades, which is important for maintaining good posture.
These are just a few of the most important superficial muscles of the back. By understanding their functions and locations, you can develop a better understanding of how your back works and how to keep it healthy and strong.
Deep muscles: support spine, control movement.
The deep muscles of the back are responsible for providing stability and support to the spine, as well as controlling movement and maintaining posture. These muscles lie deeper in the body and are not as visible as the superficial muscles.
- Multifidus:
The multifidus is a group of small muscles that run along the length of the spine. These muscles help to stabilize the spine and prevent excessive movement, especially during bending and twisting.
- Transverse abdominis:
The transverse abdominis is a deep abdominal muscle that wraps around the waist like a corset. It helps to support the spine, stabilize the pelvis, and control腹腔 pressure.
- Internal obliques:
The internal obliques are a pair of muscles that run from the ribs to the pelvis. They help to rotate and bend the trunk, as well as supporting the spine and pelvis.
- Psoas major:
The psoas major is a long muscle that runs from the lower spine to the hip joint. It helps to flex the hip and stabilize the spine during walking and running.
These are just a few of the most important deep muscles of the back. By understanding their functions and locations, you can develop a better understanding of how your back works and how to keep it healthy and strong.
Trapezius: upper back, neck.
The trapezius is a large, triangular muscle that extends from the base of the skull to the middle of the back. It is responsible for supporting the head and neck, as well as assisting in shoulder movements.
- Upper trapezius:
The upper trapezius originates from the base of the skull and inserts into the outer end of the clavicle (collarbone). It helps to elevate and retract the scapula (shoulder blade) and is active during shoulder shrugging.
- Middle trapezius:
The middle trapezius originates from the spinous processes of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae and inserts into the medial border of the scapula. It helps to retract the scapula and is active during shoulder extension.
- Lower trapezius:
The lower trapezius originates from the spinous processes of the lower thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and inserts into the lateral border of the scapula. It helps to depress the scapula and is active during shoulder adduction.
- Innervation:
The trapezius is innervated by the accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) and the branches of the cervical spinal nerves.
The trapezius is a powerful muscle that plays an important role in supporting the head and neck, as well as facilitating shoulder movements. It is also involved in maintaining good posture and preventing neck and shoulder pain.