What nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi?

Master the Back Muscles: Origins, Insertions, Actions and Innervations with a comprehensive quiz. Engage with diverse question formats, including multiple choice and flashcards, each supplemented with hints and explanations. Ensure your readiness for academic and professional success!

Multiple Choice

What nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi?

Explanation:
The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve. This nerve is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and carries fibers from the C6–C8 roots. It travels to the muscle's deep surface and provides the motor supply that enables the latissimus dorsi to extend, adduct, and medially rotate the humerus. Other nerves listed innervate different muscles: the axillary nerve goes to the deltoid and teres minor, the dorsal scapular nerve to the rhomboids (and sometimes levator scapulae), and the long thoracic nerve to the serratus anterior. None of these supply the latissimus dorsi, so thoracodorsal nerve is the correct one.

The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve. This nerve is a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus and carries fibers from the C6–C8 roots. It travels to the muscle's deep surface and provides the motor supply that enables the latissimus dorsi to extend, adduct, and medially rotate the humerus.

Other nerves listed innervate different muscles: the axillary nerve goes to the deltoid and teres minor, the dorsal scapular nerve to the rhomboids (and sometimes levator scapulae), and the long thoracic nerve to the serratus anterior. None of these supply the latissimus dorsi, so thoracodorsal nerve is the correct one.

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