Term
Latissimus dorsi
Meaning
The latissimus dorsi is a broad, triangular muscle of the back that sweeps from the lower spine and pelvis up and around the side to the upper arm. OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology notes that it moves the upper arm backward and draws it toward the body. Its visible effect is the taper from the shoulders to the waist, and its edge forms part of the armpit contour from behind. It is one of the large masses worth learning early, long before smaller muscles. See also: Trapezius, Deltoid, Scapula and the guide "Major Muscle Groups for Artists: Shapes Over Names".