Rhomboid muscle

Synonyms

Latin: Musculi rhomboidei minores et majores
English: rhomboid major muscle and rhomboid minor muscle

Synergists: M. deltoideus, M. trapezius
Antagonists: M. pectoralis minor

definition

The small and large rhomboid muscles (musculus rhomboideus minor et major) form a four-sided, strongly developed muscle plate that is not externally recognizable because they are completely covered by the trapezius muscle.

course

Insertion: inner shoulder blade margin (margo medialis)

Origin:

  • Small rhomboid muscle: spinous processes of the 1st - 7th cervical vertebrae
  • Greater rhomboid muscle: spinous processes of the 1st - 4th thoracic vertebra

Innervation: N. dorsalis scapulae, plexus cervivalis C4-5

Figure rhomboid muscle

Figure rhomboid muscle (musculus rhomboideus)

Rhombus muscle - 1st + 2nd
(Rhomboideus muscle)

  1. Rhomboid muscle -
    Rhomboideus major muscle
  2. Rhombus muscle -
    Rhomboideus minor muscle
  3. Sixth cervical vertebra -
    Vertebra cervicalis VI
  4. Seventh cervical vertebra -
    Vertebra prominent
  5. First thoracic vertebra -
    Vertebra thoracica I
  6. Fourth thoracic vertebra -
    Vertebra thoracica IV
  7. Scapula bone -
    Spina scapulae
  8. Shoulder blade - Scapula
  9. Inner edge (of the shoulder blade) - Margo medialis (Scapulae)
  10. Upper arm shaft - Corpus humeri
  11. Spine - Columna vertebralis
  12. Spinous process (thoracic vertebra) - Spinous process

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

function

Both the large rhombus muscle and the small rhomboid muscle lift the shoulder blade upwards and in the center when tensed. They thus support the descending part of the in their effect Trapezius. In addition, the two rhombus muscles fix the shoulder blade to the trunk.

Strengthening and stretching

Since the rhomboid muscle (musculus rhomboideus) is not visible from the outside, it is im Strength training not paid much attention.

This is useful for contracting the muscle Shoulder raises on.

More detailed exercises and information can be found here in an overview Weight training