Rhomboid minor !
The rhomboid minor is a small muscle just above the rhomboid major, from the lower neck spine to the shoulder blade; it pulls the blade toward the spine.
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What it is
A small flat muscle just above the rhomboid major.
What it does
Helps pull the shoulder blade toward the spine.
Key facts
- Origin
- Nuchal ligament, spinous processes C7–T1
- Insertion
- Medial border of the scapula at the root of the spine
- Action
- Retracts the scapula
- Nerve
- Dorsal scapular nerve (C4–C5)
- Blood supply
- Dorsal scapular artery
Relations
- Superficial
- Upper and middle trapezius
- Deep
- Serratus posterior superior and the deeper back muscles; the dorsal scapular nerve and artery
- Above
- Levator scapulae, inserting on the medial border above the spine
- Below
- Rhomboid major
How to find it
It lies under the trapezius at the level of the root of the spine of the scapula and is felt only as part of the rhomboid mass when the shoulder blade is squeezed toward the spine against resistance; in dissection it is a narrow band just above the rhomboid major.
On imaging
A thin band above the rhomboid major, at the level of the root of the spine of the scapula. On axial MRI or ultrasound the two rhomboids are hard to separate and are assessed together, deep to the trapezius. Atrophy of both with a normal trapezius points to the dorsal scapular nerve rather than the accessory nerve.
Clinical notes
- Dorsal scapular nerve entrapment in the middle scalene weakens both rhomboids and the levator scapulae, with aching near the medial border of the scapula
- Painful crepitus near the superomedial angle of the scapula (snapping scapula) is felt close to its insertion, where bursae lie between the scapula and the chest wall
Anatomical variants
- May be fused with the rhomboid major; rarely an extra rhomboid slip is present
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where does the rhomboid minor insert, and why is it a useful landmark?
On the medial scapular border level with the spine of the scapula, which separates it from the rhomboid major inserting below.
Which three muscles share the dorsal scapular nerve and attach to the medial border of the scapula?
The levator scapulae, the rhomboid minor and the rhomboid major.
Where is the crepitus of a snapping scapula felt, in relation to the rhomboid minor?
Near the superomedial angle of the scapula, close to its insertion, where bursae lie between the scapula and the chest wall.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- musculus rhomboideus minor TA2 2233
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Músculo romboides menor
- English (TA2)
- Rhomboid minor
Related
Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); Anatomy, Back, Rhomboid Muscles.
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
