This broad superficial muscle elevates and retracts the scapula.
Trapezius

What movement is produced by bilateral contraction of erector spinae?
Extension of the vertebral column


Intrinsic back muscles are innervated by these nerves.
Posterior (dorsal) rami of spinal nerves

What fascia is important for lower back stability?
Thoracolumbar fascia
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A patient cannot shrug their shoulders after neck surgery. Which muscle is affected?
Trapezius



This muscle connects the vertebral column to the humerus.
Latissimus dorsi


This muscle assists in pulling the upper limb downward and backward.
Latissimus dorsi


This cranial nerve innervates the trapezius muscle.
Accessory nerve (CN XI)

Trapezius belongs to this muscle group.
Superficial extrinsic back muscles

Muscles of the Back:
-Extrinsic Muscles = Superficial group and Intermediate group
-Intrinsic Muscles = Deep group and Suboccipital group
Superficial group of back muscles (5):
1) Trapezius, 2) Latissimus dorsi, 3) Levator scapulae, 4) Rhomboid major, 5) Rhomboid minor
A patient has pain extending the spine after lifting heavy boxes. Which muscle group is likely strained?
Erector spinae



These muscles lie deep to trapezius and retract the scapula.
Rhomboid major and minor


What movement occurs when the superior fibers of trapezius contract?
Elevation of the scapula


This nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi muscle.
Thoracodorsal nerve

Erector spinae belongs to this category.
Intrinsic deep back muscles

Muscles of the Back:
-Extrinsic Muscles = Superficial group and Intermediate group
-Intrinsic Muscles = Deep group and Suboccipital group
Deep groups of muscles (4) (superficial to deep):
1) Spinotransversales muscles, 2) Erector spinae muscles, 3) Transversospinalis muscles, 4) Segmental muscles
A patient has difficulty retracting the scapula. Which nerve may be injured?
Rhomboid major and Rhomboid minor innervated by DORSAL SCAPULAR NERVE



This deep intrinsic muscle group extends the vertebral column.
Erector spinae

These muscles help stabilize the scapula during movement.
Rhomboids and trapezius


These nerves generally innervate extrinsic back muscles.
Anterior (ventral) rami

What structure separates superficial and deep back muscles?
Thoracolumbar fascia
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A patient presents with weakness pulling the arm downward while climbing. Which nerve is likely affected?
Latissimus dorsi innervated by the THORACODORSAL NERVE.


