Rhomboid minor
The smaller upper rhomboid, frequently indistinguishable from the larger one beneath it.
- Type
- Muscle
- Region
- Shoulder
- Standard name
- m. rhomboideus minor
- Origin
- Nuchal ligament and the spinous processes of the seventh cervical and first thoracic vertebrae
- Insertion
- Medial border of the scapula, at the root of the scapular spine
- Actions
- scapular retractionscapular elevationscapular downward rotation
- Verify
- TA2 2233 TA98 A04.3.01.008
What it is
A narrow band lying just above rhomboid major, running from the base of the neck to the point where the spine of the scapula meets its inner border.
The two rhomboids are separated by a thin interval that is often absent — in a fair number of people they are effectively a single continuous sheet, and the distinction is one of description rather than function.
What it does
The same as rhomboid major: retracts the scapula, elevates it slightly, and rotates it so the socket faces downward.
What loads it
Rowing and horizontal pulling, together with rhomboid major and mid-trapezius.
What is commonly got wrong about it
That it has a distinct function. It does not. It is a smaller, higher portion of the same action, and there is no way to load it separately.
That the rhomboids are postural muscles holding you upright. They position the shoulder blade. Holding the spine up is done by the erector spinae group and the deep spinal muscles.