Synonyms
Latin: Musculi rhomboidei minores et majores
- Small lozenge muscle: spinous processes of the 1st – 7th cervical vertebrae
- Large diamond-shaped muscle: spinous processes of the 1st – 4th thoracic vertebrae
Function
Both the large diamond muscle and the small diamond muscle lift the shoulder blade upwards and centrally when tensed. They thus support the descending part of the trapezius muscle in their effect. In addition, the two rhombus muscles fix the shoulder blade to the trunk.
Since the rhomboid muscle (Musculus rhomboideus) is not visible from the outside, it is not given much attention in strength training. Shoulder lifting is a good way to contract the muscle. Further detailed exercises and information can be found here in an overview of strength training
