Back Muscles

Start with the back

The Back mind map offers a starting point for this page. It brings together muscles and bones, with branches for extrinsic, intrinsic, superficial and intermediate muscles. These include the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids and levator scapulae.

Begin by following the branches and noting where each named muscle appears. Then use the Back Muscles mind map to look more closely at extrinsic and intermediate muscles. It also names nerves associated with muscles in the back.

Practice with quizzes and flashcards

After exploring the maps, try the superficial back quiz. Its questions include the origins and innervation of the trapezius. Use the maps alongside it to return to names and groupings you want to study again.

The general anatomy flashcards on the back include a patient scenario about difficulty moving the neck and shoulder. For a broader set of questions, The Back: Bones, Joints & Muscles covers the vertebral column as well as back structures. Move between the flashcards and a mind map when you want to connect a question with a named structure.

See the wider unit

Back Muscles is one section of the Vertebral Column and Back unit in Anatomy. Back Lecture connects back muscles with the regions of the vertebral column, ligaments and intervertebral discs. The Spine and Back flashcards also bring together vertebrae, curvature and named back muscles.

These resources give you different ways to approach the section: use a map to organize names, a quiz to practice questions, and flashcards to review related structures. Choose a resource and start with the approach that suits your study.