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There are two Rhomboid Muscles: Rhomboid Minor and Rhomboid Major.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Spinous processes of C7-T5 to the medial border of the scapula from the root of the spine down to the inferior angle.
- The rhomboid minor attaches proximally onto the spinous processes of C7-T1.
- The rhomboid major attaches proximally onto the spinous processes of T2-T5.
ACTIONS:
- Retracts the scapula at the scapulocostal joint.
- Elevates the scapula at the scapulocostal joint.
- Downwardly rotates the scapula at the scapulocostal joint.
NOTES:
- Weak (overly inhibited) rhomboids contribute to the postural distortion pattern of rounded shoulders, which is part of the larger postural dysfunctional pattern, upper crossed syndrome.
- The rhomboids blend into the serratus anterior as part of the myofascial meridian (anatomy train) spiral line.
- The rhomboids are nicknamed the Christmas Tree muscles because when viewed bilaterally, along with the spine, they create the shape of a Christmas tree.
