Middle back

Middle Back (Thoracic Back Muscles)

The middle back, or thoracic region, contains muscles that provide stability, support, and movement for the spine, shoulders, and upper limbs. These muscles are organized into superficial, intermediate, and intrinsic (deep) layers. Key muscles include the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae, rhomboids (superficial extrinsic), serratus posterior superior and inferior (intermediate extrinsic), and the erector spinae group (iliocostalis, longissimus, spinalis) and transversospinalis group (semis...

The middle back muscles collectively work to help movements of the vertebral column and to control posture. Superficial muscles move the upper limb, while intermediate muscles like the serratus posterior superior and inferior primarily assist with respiration by elevating and depressing the rib cage. The deep intrinsic muscles, such as the erector spinae, are the primary extensors of the thoracic spine, helping with backward bending, and maintaining an upright posture. The transversospinalis group, locat...