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latissimus dorsi
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The Human Body Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs. Anatomical illustration of a cat in side view with its trunk and limb muscles exposed and labeled, showing major muscle groups such as trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gluteus, and biceps femoris. An anatomical illustration of the human torso highlighting the muscles of the abdominal wall, with labeled structures including the deltoid, pectoralis major, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, external and internal oblique, rectus abdominis, and associated connective tissues. Illustration of the human back showing labeled muscles including trapezius, deltoid, latissimus dorsi, erector spinae, rhomboids, and gluteus maximus, with detailed anatomical structure. Detailed anatomical illustration of the human upper arm from the front, showing the superficial muscles, major nerves, and tendons. Key structures like the deltoid, biceps brachii, brachialis, and associated nerves are labeled. Posterior anatomical illustration of the human muscular system showing major back, arm, and leg muscles labeled, including trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gluteus maximus, and gastrocnemius.
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latissimus dorsi

muscle
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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latissimus dorsi, widest and most powerful muscle of the back. It is a large, flat, triangular muscle covering the lower back. It arises from the lower half of the vertebral column and iliac crest (hipbone) and tapers to a rounded tendon inserted at (attached to) the front of the upper part of the humerus (upper-arm bone).

The action of the latissimus dorsi draws the upper arm downward and backward and rotates it inward, as exemplified in the downstroke in swimming the crawl. In climbing it joins with the abdominal and pectoral muscles to pull the trunk upward. The two latissimus dorsi muscles also assist in forced respiration by raising the lower ribs.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Rick Livingston.