Also called: rhomboids
The rhomboid major is a flat muscle between the spine and the medial border of the scapula. It arises from the spinous processes of T2 to T5 and inserts on the medial border of the scapula below the scapular spine. The dorsal scapular nerve supplies it, and it retracts and rotates the scapula downward.
| Origin | Spinous processes of T2 to T5 and the supraspinous ligaments. |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Medial border of the scapula between the root of the spine and the inferior angle. |
| Innervation | Dorsal scapular nerve (C4-C5). |
| Blood supply | Dorsal scapular artery. |
| Action | Retracts the scapula, rotates it downward and fixes it to the thoracic wall. |
3D model: BodyParts3D (CC BY 4.0), adult male reference anatomy. Highlighted structure shown with nearby bones for context.
The rhomboid major lies deep to the trapezius and sits directly below the smaller rhomboid minor. The two work together as a single functional unit.
They pull the scapulae toward the spine, as in rowing movements.
The dorsal scapular nerve.
It retracts and downwardly rotates the scapula.
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