Which nerve supplies 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

Which nerve supplies latissimus dorsi?

Explanation:
The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus carrying fibers from spinal levels C6–C8. This nerve travels with the thoracodorsal vessels to reach the muscle and provide its motor input. The latissimus dorsi’s actions—extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus—are exactly the functions this nerve supports, making it the appropriate innervation for powerful pulling and climbing movements. The other nerves listed do not supply this muscle: the axillary nerve primarily innervates the deltoid and teres minor; the dorsal scapular nerve supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae; the median nerve mainly innervates muscles of the forearm and some hand muscles.

The latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus carrying fibers from spinal levels C6–C8. This nerve travels with the thoracodorsal vessels to reach the muscle and provide its motor input. The latissimus dorsi’s actions—extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the humerus—are exactly the functions this nerve supports, making it the appropriate innervation for powerful pulling and climbing movements.

The other nerves listed do not supply this muscle: the axillary nerve primarily innervates the deltoid and teres minor; the dorsal scapular nerve supplies the rhomboids and levator scapulae; the median nerve mainly innervates muscles of the forearm and some hand muscles.

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