Where does latissimus dorsi insert?

Where does latissimus dorsi insert?

• A. Greater tubercle of the humerus
• B. Intertubercular groove (bicipital groove) of the humerus
• C. Lateral epicondyle of the humerus
• D. Coracoid process

Answer: (B)

The latissimus dorsi attaches to the floor of the intertubercular (bicipital) groove of the humerus. From the back of the trunk, its tendon runs to the front of the upper arm and inserts at this specific spot along the anterior proximal humerus. That location lets the muscle pull the humerus downward and inward, producing extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the arm. The other sites listed correspond to different structures: the greater tubercle is the insertion point for some rotator cuff muscles, the lateral epicondyle is where many forearm extensors attach, and the coracoid process is a pulley-like projection for muscles such as pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and the short head of the biceps. Latissimus dorsi does not insert there.

The latissimus dorsi attaches to the floor of the intertubercular (bicipital) groove of the humerus. From the back of the trunk, its tendon runs to the front of the upper arm and inserts at this specific spot along the anterior proximal humerus. That location lets the muscle pull the humerus downward and inward, producing extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the arm.

The other sites listed correspond to different structures: the greater tubercle is the insertion point for some rotator cuff muscles, the lateral epicondyle is where many forearm extensors attach, and the coracoid process is a pulley-like projection for muscles such as pectoralis minor, coracobrachialis, and the short head of the biceps. Latissimus dorsi does not insert there.