Where does the latissimus dorsi insert?

Where does the latissimus dorsi insert?

• A. Intertubercular groove of the humerus
• B. Greater tubercle of the humerus
• C. Coracoid process
• D. Medial border of the scapula

Answer: (A)

The latissimus dorsi inserts into the intertubercular groove of the humerus. Its tendon runs along the humerus to the groove between the greater and lesser tubercles, specifically attaching at the floor of that groove. This position lets the muscle pull the humerus inward and downward, producing extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the arm. The greater tubercle is the insertion point for several rotator cuff muscles, the coracoid process is a projection for muscles like pectoralis minor and the short head of biceps, and the medial border of the scapula is where rhomboids and serratus anterior attach—none of which are the latissimus dorsi’s insertion.

The latissimus dorsi inserts into the intertubercular groove of the humerus. Its tendon runs along the humerus to the groove between the greater and lesser tubercles, specifically attaching at the floor of that groove. This position lets the muscle pull the humerus inward and downward, producing extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the arm.

The greater tubercle is the insertion point for several rotator cuff muscles, the coracoid process is a projection for muscles like pectoralis minor and the short head of biceps, and the medial border of the scapula is where rhomboids and serratus anterior attach—none of which are the latissimus dorsi’s insertion.