Which three back muscles are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve?

Which three back muscles are innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve?

• A. Rhomboid major, Rhomboid minor, Levator Scapulae
• B. Trapezius, Latissimus dorsi, Serratus anterior
• C. Latissimus dorsi, Teres major, Infraspinatus
• D. Rhomboid major, Latissimus dorsi, Levator scapulae

Answer: (A)

The nerve in question supplies muscles that anchor the scapula to the back wall and help control its position. It comes from the C5 root and travels to the medial border area of the scapula to innervate three muscles: the rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and levator scapulae. The rhomboids pull the scapula toward the spine (retraction) and help downwardly rotate the scapula, while the levator scapulae lifts the scapula. Together, these muscles stabilize and position the scapula for shoulder movement. Other muscles listed are innervated by different nerves—trapezius by the accessory nerve, latissimus dorsi by the thoracodorsal nerve, serratus anterior by the long thoracic nerve, infraspinatus by the suprascapular nerve, and teres major by the lower subscapular nerve—so they are not supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve.

The nerve in question supplies muscles that anchor the scapula to the back wall and help control its position. It comes from the C5 root and travels to the medial border area of the scapula to innervate three muscles: the rhomboid major, rhomboid minor, and levator scapulae. The rhomboids pull the scapula toward the spine (retraction) and help downwardly rotate the scapula, while the levator scapulae lifts the scapula. Together, these muscles stabilize and position the scapula for shoulder movement.

Other muscles listed are innervated by different nerves—trapezius by the accessory nerve, latissimus dorsi by the thoracodorsal nerve, serratus anterior by the long thoracic nerve, infraspinatus by the suprascapular nerve, and teres major by the lower subscapular nerve—so they are not supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve.