latissimus

Widest dorsal muscle

Latissimus refers to the latissimus dorsi, the broad flat muscle of the back that extends from the lower spine to the upper arm.

In fitness contexts, it's usually shortened to lats: Pull-ups really work your lats.

The muscle enables pulling motions and gives the back its V-shaped appearance when developed.

training

pullups

Overhead bar lifts

chin-ups · resistance · dumbbells · barbell · cable · bodybuilding · powerlifting · hypertrophy · reps · sets

anatomy

thoracolumbar

Mid-to-lower spine region

tendon · scapula · humeral · teres · major · rhomboids · levator · scapulae · serratus · anterior

function

swimming

Locomotion through water

adduction · extension · overhead · reaching · throwing · paddling · kayaking · gymnastics · brachiation · stabilization

Opposites
anatomical muscle pairing

latissimuspectoralis

Anterior thoracic muscle

pecs · deltoid · serratus anterior · trapezius · rhomboids

LATIN MORPHOLOGICAL MEANING (breadth)

latissimusnarrowest

Least broad of all

Family

latitude, lateral, dilate, collateral, laterally, latitudes, latitudinal

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G