Rhomboid Major, Posterior View

Description

Centered on the medial scapular border, the rhomboid major is presented in posterior view as a broad quadrangular sheet running inferolaterally from the thoracic midline to the scapula. Its fibers arise from the spinous processes of T2 to T5 and adjacent supraspinous ligaments, then insert along the medial border of the scapula inferior to the scapular spine, lying deep to trapezius and superior to the latissimus dorsi sweep. Lateral to it, the scapular rotator cuff contours remain visible, including infraspinatus and the teres minor and teres major complex, with the posterior deltoid forming the shoulder cap. Fiber direction is clear. Rhomboid major anchors the scapula against the thoracic wall, retracting it and contributing to downward rotation, so its relationship to trapezius and to the scapular spine is the teaching point in this posterior dissection-style layout. Pain and dysfunction around the medial scapular border often tracks to myofascial trigger points in the rhomboids or to altered scapulothoracic mechanics seen with rounded-shoulder posture and subacromial impingement. Clinically, the dorsal scapular nerve (C5) and dorsal scapular artery course deep to levator scapulae and rhomboids, and iatrogenic irritation or traction can present as medial scapular pain with weakness in retraction that is easy to confuse with trapezius or spinal accessory nerve problems. A reliable landmark. Use this asset for gross anatomy and kinesiology modules covering scapular stabilizers, for physical therapy and sports medicine content on scapular dyskinesis and posterior shoulder pain, or for orthopedic and plastic surgery publications describing posterior scapular approaches where trapezius is elevated to access deeper planes. It also suits patient education for posture-related interscapular pain when you want clean muscle borders without distracting anterior anatomy. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.