Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 27 November 2022

The rhomboid minor muscle is one of the superficial muscles of the back. The superficial group of back muscles attach the axial skeleton to the upper part of the appendicular skeleton, and may also be referred to as the appendicular group of back muscles.

The two rhomboid muscles, the rhomboid major and the rhomboid minor attach to the medial aspect of the scapula and act to retract the scapula, pulling it towards the vertebral column.

The superficial group of back muscles includes the following muscles:

  • Trapezius
  • Latissimus dorsi
  • Rhomboid major
  • Rhomboid minor
  • Levator scapulae

Origin

  • Ligamentum nuchae
  • Spinous processes of C7,TI

Insertion

  • Medial border of scapula: at the spine of scapula

Action

  • Retracts scapula
  • Elevates scapula

Innervation

  • Dorsal scapular nerve: C4,C5

Blood Supply

Dorsal scapula artery