The lesser rhomboid muscle, pronounced /ˈlɛsər ˈrɒmbɔɪd ˈmʌsəl/, is a muscle located in the upper back that facilitates the movement and stability of the scapula. The spelling of this word uses the IPA phonetic transcription to accurately represent the sounds of the word, with the stress falling on the first syllable "lesser" and the rest of the word pronounced like "rom-boid" with a schwa sound in the final syllable. This muscle works in conjunction with other muscles in the back to provide important support and function during movement.
The lesser rhomboid muscle, also known as the rhomboid minor, is a small, triangular-shaped muscle located in the upper back region. It is found deep to the trapezius muscle and is one of the three muscles that make up the rhomboid muscle group, the other being the rhomboid major and the trapezius itself.
Originating from the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7 and T1, the lesser rhomboid muscle inserts onto the medial border of the scapula, specifically on the triangular area at the base of the scapular spine.
The primary function of the lesser rhomboid muscle is to retract and stabilize the scapula, pulling it inward toward the spine. It works in conjunction with the rhomboid major to facilitate scapular adduction, which assists in movements like pulling the shoulder blades backward or squeezing them together. This muscle aids in maintaining correct posture and proper alignment of the scapula during upper body movements and activities.
While the lesser rhomboid muscle is relatively small in size compared to other muscles in the back, it plays a crucial role in maintaining stability and promoting proper shoulder movement. It is commonly targeted during exercises that involve shoulder retraction or scapular adduction, including rowing exercises, lat pulldowns, or seated cable rows. Strengthening the lesser rhomboid muscle can help enhance posture, improve upper body strength, and reduce the risk of shoulder and upper back injuries.