Which spinal nerve root contributes to the dorsal scapular nerve that innervates rhomboids?

Which spinal nerve root contributes to the dorsal scapular nerve that innervates rhomboids?

• A. C5
• B. C4-C5
• C. C3-C4
• D. C6-C7

Answer: (B)

The rhomboids are supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve, which is formed from the ventral rami of the lower cervical plexus. The primary root contributing is C5, but there is often a contribution from C4 as well. That combination—C4-C5—best reflects the common pattern of roots feeding the dorsal scapular nerve that innervates the rhomboids. Why this fits: including C4 captures the frequent extra input that accompanies the main C5 supply, whereas C5 alone omits that possible contribution, and the other options (C3-C4 or C6-C7) don’t align with the usual cervical-roots pattern for this nerve.

The rhomboids are supplied by the dorsal scapular nerve, which is formed from the ventral rami of the lower cervical plexus. The primary root contributing is C5, but there is often a contribution from C4 as well. That combination—C4-C5—best reflects the common pattern of roots feeding the dorsal scapular nerve that innervates the rhomboids.

Why this fits: including C4 captures the frequent extra input that accompanies the main C5 supply, whereas C5 alone omits that possible contribution, and the other options (C3-C4 or C6-C7) don’t align with the usual cervical-roots pattern for this nerve.