Rhomboid minor muscle
Musculus rhomboideus minor
- Related terms: Rhomboid minor
Definition
Origin: Nuchal ligaments and spinous processes of C7- to T1vertebrae
Insertion: Medial border of the scapula, superior to the insertion of rhomboid major muscle
Artery: Dorsal scapular artery
Nerve: Dorsal scapular nerve (C4 andC5)
Action: Retracts the scapula and rotates it to depress the glenoid cavity. It also fixes the scapula to the thoracic wall.
Antagonist: Serratus anterior muscle
Description:
The Rhomboideus minor arises from the lower part of the ligamentum nuchae and from the spinous processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae. It isinserted into the base of the triangular smooth surface at the root of the spine of the scapula, and is usually separated from the Rhomboideus major by a slight interval, but the adjacent margins of the two muscles are occasionally united.