The latissimus dorsi muscle originates and Insertion is a muscle that will come up in your level 3 anatomy and physiology exam. [There are 50 muscles you MUST now be ready for your Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology exam – today we will dive deep into understanding everything about the latissimus dorsi, specifically its origin and insertion points.

The origins of the latissimus dorsi muscle are many, most of them at the vertebrae. These origins are: There is only one insertion point, at the intertubercular groove at the top of the humerus. You can see where this groove is located in the below image. This means that when it contracts it pulls the upper arm in the direction of the hip and back.

The latissimus dorsi muscle is found superficially in the lower two-thirds of the trunk, covering the serratus posterior muscles. The teres major muscle lies superior to latissimus dorsi. The adjoining fibers of these two muscles are united, but separated by a bursa towards their humeral attachments.

When you pull your shoulder blades (the scapulae) in towards each other towards the spine without shrugging up toward your ears, it allows the Latissimus Dorsi muscle to get a full range of movement. You can see in the image below the origin and insertion points of the Latissimus Dorsi.