Which muscle originates on the cervical and thoracic vertebrae?

• A. Rhomboid
• B. Latissimus Dorsi
• C. Masseter
• D. Sternocleidomastoid

Answer: (A)

Understanding where a muscle originates helps explain both where it’s located and how it moves the body. The muscle that starts on the spinous processes of the cervical and upper thoracic vertebrae is the rhomboid. Specifically, the rhomboid minor originates from C7–T1 and the rhomboid major from T2–T5, and they insert along the medial border of the scapula. This positioning allows them to retract and stabilize the scapula against the thoracic wall (and assist in downward rotation). The other options don’t fit because latissimus dorsi originates lower on the spine and pelvis (not cervical), masseter attaches to the jaw (zygomatic arch and mandible), and sternocleidomastoid attaches to the sternum and clavicle (not the vertebrae).