Anatomy of the Rhomboid Muscle
Anatomy of the Upper Back Muscles

The Rhomboid muscle is located underneath the trapezius muscle. This page has a brief discussion of the anatomy of the rhomboids.

There are 2 rhomboids: rhomboid major and rhomboid minor. These muscles are obviously named for their shape, and the major is larger than the minor.

The rhomboids work with the trapezius to pull the shoulder blades together.

Origination/ Starting Position:

The rhomboid minor starts on the spinous processes of the C7 and T1 vertebrae, and the rhomboid major originates on the spinous processes of the T2 to T5 vertebrae.

Insertion/ Finishing Position:

Both rhomboids insert on the medial border of the scapula, from the spine of the scapula all the way down to the inferior angle.

Actions:

The rhomboids retracts the scapula (pulls the shoulder blades together).

They also rotate the scapular downwards and help to stabilize the scapula against the thoracic wall.

Nerve Supply:

The Rhomboids are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve.

Exercises for the Rhomboids

The rhomboids will work during every upper body exercise. They will work to pull the shoulder blades backwards or they will work to stabilize the shoulder blades while the arm is moving.

To work the rhomboids directly, include exercises like reverse shoulder flyes or seated rows in your workout. Any exercise that works the upper back muscles will work the rhomboids.

Yours in health,
Dr. Charles PT/PT

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