Rhomboid minor (Musculus rhomboideus minor)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A higher, thinner sheet than the major, from the neck base to the level of the scapular superior angle; its fibres usually merge with the major into one retractor unit.
Origin & insertion
Spinous processes of C7–T1 and the lower nuchal ligament.
Action
Retracts the scapula slightly upward and steadies its medial border during shoulder-strap carrying.
Innervation
Dorsal scapular nerve (C5).
Clinical notes
Tested with the major by resisted shoulder protraction; its myofascial trigger points at the lower neck mimic upper thoracic spine pain.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Rhomboid minor?
A higher, thinner sheet than the major, from the neck base to the level of the scapular superior angle; its fibres usually merge with the major into one retractor unit.
Why is the Rhomboid minor clinically important?
Tested with the major by resisted shoulder protraction; its myofascial trigger points at the lower neck mimic upper thoracic spine pain.
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details