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Latissimus Dorsi

The Latissimus dorsi muscle is one of the largest in the body. It is a powerful extensor muscle of the arm and is used extensively in chinning and climbing. They are commonly known at the lats.

Origin

• Posterior crest of the ilium (via the Thoracolumbar fascia)
• Posterior sacrum
• Spinous processes of T7-L5

Insertion

• Intertubercular groove (between the greater and lesser tuberosities) of the humerus

Actions

• Extension
• Internal rotation
• Adduction

Innervation

• Thoracodorsal nerve

Daily uses

• Pushing on the arms of a chair when standing up

How can I stretch it?

• Latissimus dorsi stretch
• Latissimus dorsi stretch II

How can I strengthen it?

• Lat pull down machine
• Lat pull down with a resistance band
• Dumbbell pullover