From which spinous processes does the rhomboid minor originate?

From which spinous processes does the rhomboid minor originate?

• A. Spinous processes T2-T5
• B. Spinous processes C7-T1 and the nuchal ligament
• C. Spinous processes C2-C5
• D. Spinous processes T5-T8

Answer: (B)

The rhomboid minor starts from the lower part of the neck and upper back: the spinous processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae (C7 and T1), and it also takes origin from the nuchal ligament. This places it higher on the spine than the rhomboid major, which originates from T2–T5. From these origins, the muscle inserts along the medial border of the scapula, helping to retract and elevate the scapula and to stabilize it against the thoracic wall. The inclusion of the nuchal ligament is a helpful clue that its origin is in that upper region, consistent with a C7–T1 plus ligamentous origin.

The rhomboid minor starts from the lower part of the neck and upper back: the spinous processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae (C7 and T1), and it also takes origin from the nuchal ligament. This places it higher on the spine than the rhomboid major, which originates from T2–T5. From these origins, the muscle inserts along the medial border of the scapula, helping to retract and elevate the scapula and to stabilize it against the thoracic wall. The inclusion of the nuchal ligament is a helpful clue that its origin is in that upper region, consistent with a C7–T1 plus ligamentous origin.