Hawaii Massage License Practice Exam

What action does the latissimus dorsi perform?

1. Raises the arms

2. Draws arms backwards

3. Rotates the torso

4. Stabilizes the shoulder

The correct answer is: Draws arms backwards

The latissimus dorsi is a large muscle that plays a crucial role in the movement of the shoulders and upper body. Its primary actions include drawing the arms backward, which is known as shoulder extension and adduction. This action is significant during activities such as pulling motions, like rowing or swimming, where the arms move toward the midline of the body and behind it. When the latissimus dorsi contracts, it helps to pull the upper arm bone (humerus) down and back, which is essential for proper posture and efficient upper body movement. Additionally, the muscle assists in internal rotation of the shoulder, but its most notable action is indeed pulling the arms backward. In contrast, while raising the arms, rotating the torso, or stabilizing the shoulder are important actions in various contexts, these do not specifically highlight the primary function of the latissimus dorsi. Instead, they involve other muscles such as the deltoids for raising the arms and the rotator cuff muscles for stabilizing the shoulder. Thus, the option that aligns with the primary function of the latissimus dorsi is drawing the arms backward.