Which nerve supplies latissimus dorsi?

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Multiple Choice

Which nerve supplies latissimus dorsi?

Explanation:
Latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, with nerve fibers from spinal levels C6 to C8 (often including C7). This nerve provides the motor supply that powers the muscle’s actions—extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus—crucial for pulling movements like climbing or doing a pull-up. The thoracodorsal nerve travels with the thoracodorsal vessels and enters the latissimus dorsi on its deep surface near the muscle’s inferior border. The dorsal scapular nerve, in contrast, supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae (primarily C5). The suprascapular nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor (and skin over the lateral shoulder). Hence, the thoracodorsal nerve best fits as the nerve that supplies latissimus dorsi.

Latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, with nerve fibers from spinal levels C6 to C8 (often including C7). This nerve provides the motor supply that powers the muscle’s actions—extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus—crucial for pulling movements like climbing or doing a pull-up. The thoracodorsal nerve travels with the thoracodorsal vessels and enters the latissimus dorsi on its deep surface near the muscle’s inferior border.

The dorsal scapular nerve, in contrast, supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae (primarily C5). The suprascapular nerve supplies the supraspinatus and infraspinatus. The axillary nerve supplies the deltoid and teres minor (and skin over the lateral shoulder). Hence, the thoracodorsal nerve best fits as the nerve that supplies latissimus dorsi.

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