From which vertebral levels does rhomboid major originate?

From which vertebral levels does rhomboid major originate?

• A. Spinous processes of C3-C4
• B. Spinous processes of T2-T5.
• C. Spinous processes of T7-L1
• D. Scapular body

Answer: (B)

Rhomboid major is a deep back muscle that starts on the vertebral column and pulls the scapula toward the midline. Its origin is from the spinous processes of the upper to mid-thoracic spine, specifically T2 through T5, often with fibers from the supraspinous ligament. This position enables it to retract the scapula and help rotate the scapula downward to depress the glenoid cavity. The other possibilities don’t fit because: the upper levels (C3–C4) are too high for rhomboid major and align more with the region of rhomboid minor; the lower range (T7–L1) is too low for rhomboid major; and the scapular body is not a vertebral origin at all since the muscle attaches to the scapula rather than arising from it. Therefore, the correct origin is the spinous processes of T2 to T5.

Rhomboid major is a deep back muscle that starts on the vertebral column and pulls the scapula toward the midline. Its origin is from the spinous processes of the upper to mid-thoracic spine, specifically T2 through T5, often with fibers from the supraspinous ligament. This position enables it to retract the scapula and help rotate the scapula downward to depress the glenoid cavity.

The other possibilities don’t fit because: the upper levels (C3–C4) are too high for rhomboid major and align more with the region of rhomboid minor; the lower range (T7–L1) is too low for rhomboid major; and the scapular body is not a vertebral origin at all since the muscle attaches to the scapula rather than arising from it. Therefore, the correct origin is the spinous processes of T2 to T5.