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Rhomboid Minor Muscle Anatomy

Quick Overview View Flashcards
Origin
  • Spinous processes of C7-T1 and the nuchal ligament
Insertion
  • Medial border of the scapula
Actions
  • Scapula retraction (adduction)
  • Scapula elevation
  • Scapula downward rotation
Innervation
  • Dorsal scapular nerve (C5)
Blood Supply
  • Dorsal scapular artery
Last updated: Estimated Reading Time: 8 min

Location & Overview

The rhomboid minor is a small, slender, somewhat cylindrical muscle that forms part of the intricate network of muscles in the upper back and shoulder girdle. It is located between the scapula and the vertebral column. The rhomboid minor is one of the rhomboid muscles, which comprise the rhomboid minor and the rhomboid major.[1,2]

The rhomboid minor is located superior to the larger rhomboid major, immediately beneath the levator scapulae, and deep to the trapezius muscle. This placement situates it between and beneath the more superficial layers of muscle, placing it close to the vertebral column.[1,2]

To emphasize the important role of the rhomboid minor in scapular function and shoulder stability, it is worth noting the potential issues arising from weakness, dysfunction, or nerve complications. One such issue is scapular winging, where the scapula protrudes away from the rib cage. This can occur if the rhomboids are unable to maintain their usual tension and control. Similarly, dysfunction in the rhomboids may lead to rotation of the inferior angle of the scapula, which can cause discomfort and limit shoulder mobility.[3]

rhomboid minor posterior view
Here we can see the rhomboid minor from a posterior view.
rhomboid minor posterolateral view
Here we can see the rhomboid minor from a posterolateral view.
rhomboid minor superior view
Here we can see the rhomboid minor from a superior view.
rhomboid minor and major together, posterior view
Here we can see the rhomboid minor and major together, seen from a posterior view.
rhomboid minor highlighted in red among the other muscles of the body
Here we can see the rhomboid minor highlighted in red among the other muscles of the body. Superficial muscles, such as the trapezius, have been removed to reveal the rhomboid minor.

Origin & Insertion

The rhomboid minor originates from the spinous processes of the C7 and T1 vertebrae. These points of origin are located in the lower part of the neck, with C7 being the last cervical vertebra that forms the base of the neck and T1 being the first thoracic vertebra, directly below C7. In addition to these origins, the rhomboid minor also originates from the nuchal ligament.[3,4]

The nuchal ligament is a thick, fibrous, elastic structure that stretches from the external occipital protuberance to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7). The external occipital protuberance is a prominent bony landmark located at the base of the skull, on the back of the head. The median nuchal line is a slight ridge that runs down the midline of the back of the skull.[1,2]

The insertion of the rhomboid minor muscle is the medial border of the scapula, which is the bone that forms the shoulder blade. The insertion is found superior to the point where the rhomboid major muscle inserts.[3,4]

rhomboid muscle origin
Pictured here we can see the rhomboid minor muscle and nuchal ligament. The rhomboid minor originates from the C7 and T1 vertebrae and the nuchal ligament (origin highlighted in red).
rhomboid minor muscle insertion
Pictured here we can see the rhomboid minor muscle insertion at the superior medial border of the scapula (highlighted in blue). The insertion is superior to the insertion of the rhomboid major.

Action & Function

The rhomboid minor muscle, though modest in size, contributes to several important scapular movements. Its primary action is the retraction of the scapula, pulling it toward the midline of the body, or the vertebral column. To imagine this action, think about squeezing the shoulder blades together.[2,5,6]

In addition to retraction, the rhomboid minor assists with the elevation of the scapula. To imagine this action, think about shrugging the shoulders upward.[2,5,6]

Finally, the rhomboid minor contributes to the medial rotation of the scapula. This rotation causes the glenoid cavity (the socket of the shoulder joint) to be directed downward. This action is important for enabling a wide range of arm movements and maintaining glenohumeral joint stability.[2,5,6]

Image of a person demonstrating the movement of scapula retraction.
This image shows scapula retraction, also known as scapula adduction, where the shoulder blades move toward the spine, as in the action of pinching the shoulder blades together. The opposite of scapula retraction is scapula protraction, also known as scapula abduction, where the shoulder blades move away from the spine, as in the action of reaching forward. Both the rhomboid minor and major retract the scapula.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of scapula elevation.
This image shows scapula elevation, where the shoulder blade moves upward, drawing the shoulder joint superiorly. This movement happens when shrugging the shoulders or lifting a weight overhead. The opposite of scapula elevation is scapula depression. Both the rhomboid minor and major contribute to the elevation of the scapula.
Image of a person demonstrating the movement of scapula downward rotation.
This image shows scapula downward rotation, where the shoulder blade moves medially and inferiorly, tilting the glenoid cavity downward. This movement is typical when lowering the arm from an overhead position, bringing it back to the side. The opposite of scapula downward rotation is scapula upward rotation. Both the rhomboid minor and major assist with downward rotation of the scapula.

Innervation

The rhomboid minor muscle receives its innervation predominantly from the dorsal scapular nerve, generally arising from the C5 spinal nerve root. This root is an integral component of the brachial plexus, an intricate and highly structured aggregation of nerves situated in the cervical region. The primary function of the brachial plexus is to facilitate the transmission of neural impulses from the spinal cord to the upper extremities, including the rhomboid minor.[1,2]

dorsal scapular nerve
Pictured here we can see the dorsal scapular nerve, which innervates the rhomboid minor. This nerve generally originates from C5.

Blood Supply

The rhomboid minor muscle’s blood supply is primarily supplied by the dorsal scapular artery. The dorsal scapular artery typically originates from either the second or third portion of the subclavian artery. The subclavian artery is a major blood vessel responsible for supplying blood to the upper body. In some people, the dorsal scapular artery can arise from the thyrocervical trunk, which is an artery located in the neck.[1,7]

The dorsal scapular artery also courses through the brachial plexus, an intricate network of nerves situated in the neck region. Here, it aligns and travels alongside the dorsal scapular nerve. Together, the nerve and artery travel inferiorly to supply the rhomboid muscle group, including the rhomboid minor.[1,7]

In addition to the dorsal scapular artery, the rhomboid minor can occasionally receive blood from a deep branch of the transverse cervical artery. This artery is part of the network of blood vessels serving the neck and shoulder region.[7,4]

References

  1. [1] Standring S. (2015). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 41st Edn. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
  2. [2] Moore KL, Agur AMR, Dalley AF. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2017.
  3. [3] Farrell C, Kiel J. Anatomy, Back, Rhomboid Muscles. (Updated 2022 May 20). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534856/
  4. [4] Mitchell B, Imonugo O, Tripp JE. Anatomy, Back, Extrinsic Muscles. (Updated 2022 Aug 25). In: StatPearls (Internet). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537216/
  5. [5] Martin RM, Fish DE. Scapular winging: anatomical review, diagnosis, and treatments. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008 Mar;1(1):1-11. doi: 10.1007/s12178-007-9000-5. PMID: 19468892; PMCID: PMC2684151.
  6. [6] Paine R, Voight ML. The role of the scapula. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Oct;8(5):617-29. PMID: 24175141; PMCID: PMC3811730.
  7. [7] Ikka L, Mihalea C, Achour NB, Khalek HA, Vacher C. The origin of the dorsal scapular artery: anatomic variations and surgical applications. Surg Radiol Anat. 2016 Nov;38(9):1021-1027. doi: 10.1007/s00276-016-1656-3. Epub 2016 Feb 26. PMID: 26920558.

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