The rhomboid minor muscle is a flat, triangular muscle located in between the shoulder blades. Its name is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈrɒmbɔɪd ˈmaɪnə ˈmʌsəl/. The "rhomboid" part comes from the Greek word rhombos, which means "diamond." The "minor" part refers to the fact that there is also a larger muscle called the rhomboid major. Paying attention to the correct spelling of anatomical words like rhomboid minor muscle is essential for clear and accurate communication in the medical field.
The rhomboid minor muscle, also referred to as the minor rhomboid muscle, is a deep muscle located in the upper back region of the human body. It is one of the two rhomboid muscles, alongside the larger rhomboid major, which together form the rhomboid muscle group. The rhomboid minor muscle is situated underneath the rhomboid major muscle, attaching to the spinous processes of the lower cervical vertebrae (C7) and the upper thoracic vertebrae (T1-T4).
With its origin in the spinous processes, the rhomboid minor muscle extends obliquely towards the medial (inner) border of the scapula (shoulder blade). Its insertion point lies on the medial border of the scapula, specifically between the spine of the scapula and the inferior angle.
Functionally, the rhomboid minor muscle plays a vital role in the movement and stabilization of the scapula. It is primarily responsible for retracting the scapula towards the spine, allowing for movements such as squeezing the shoulder blades together. This action is commonly observed in pulling movements, such as rowing exercises or archery, where engaging the rhomboid minor muscle aids in achieving proper posture and alignment. By working in conjunction with the rhomboid major muscle, it helps promote scapular stability and contributes to overall upper back strength.