Pinpoint
Muscles/Upper Back

Upper Back

Set of left levatores costarum breves

leh-VAH-tor-eez kos-TAIR-um BREE-veez left

Short muscles on left side attaching ribs to vertebrae above, elevating ribs during breathing and aiding trunk rotation. Support posture in pulling exercises.

Open in 3D Viewer

Common Pain & Injury

Side back pain with deep breaths or twisting; from overuse. Doctor for breathing difficulty.

Anatomy & Function

Origin

Tip of transverse process of C7-T11 vertebrae (left side).

Insertion

Medial angle of rib immediately below (inner edge of next rib down on left).

Actions

  • Elevation of ribs (deep breathing)
  • Ipsilateral trunk rotation

Innervation

Intercostal nerves.

Muscle Relationships

Antagonists

Right levatores costarum

Synergists

Intercostals

Trigger Points

Muscle belly; refer to chest and side flank.

Stretches

1Side bend stretch
2Thoracic rotation stretch

Common Conditions

Costovertebral joint sprain

Anatomical Parts

Set of left levatores costarum breves

FAQ

Levatores costarum breves function?

Elevate ribs for breathing and assist rotation.

Exercises for Set of left levatores costarum breves

20

Also Works Set of left levatores costarum breves

10

Related Upper Back Muscles

Ascending part of left trapezius
Upper fibers of left trapezius elevate and retract scapula for shrugs and pulls. Key for posture and overhead strength. Left-side focus corrects imbalances.
Descending part of left trapezius
The descending part of the left trapezius fibers run downward from neck to scapula on the left side, aiding scapular depression and upward rotation. Key for pull-ups and lat work, preventing shoulder hike.
Descending part of right trapezius
The descending part of the right trapezius fibers slope from occiput to right scapula, depressing and upwardly rotating the scapula. Essential for balanced shoulder mechanics in bilateral lifts.
iliocostalis thoracis
Iliocostalis thoracis, mid erector spinae, runs parallel to spine from low-mid back to upper ribs, aiding thoracic extension and breathing. Supports rows, pulls, and posture in upper body training.
interspinalis thoracis
Tiny interspinalis thoracis muscles between thoracic spinous processes fine-tune extension.
longissimus thoracis
The longest erector spinae muscle, running parallel to the spine from sacrum to mid-back, it extends the spine and maintains upright posture. Essential for deadlifts, squats, and spinal stability in powerlifting. Weakness leads to back rounding under load.
rhomboid major
The rhomboid major is a diamond-shaped muscle between your shoulder blades, retracting the scapula for better posture. It stabilizes during rows, pull-ups, and presses, countering slouched shoulders in gym-goers. Weak rhomboids lead to rounded posture and shoulder issues.
rhomboid minor
The rhomboid minor, above the major, connects upper thoracic spine to the shoulder blade's inner border. It retracts and stabilizes the scapula during upper body pulls. Essential for posture correction in lifters with desk jobs.

Upper Back Pain Guide

Common causes and relief

Activities & Sports

See which activities use Set of left levatores costarum breves

Pinpoint·Interactive 3D Anatomy & Exercise Guide