American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Which muscle is primarily innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve?

  1. Latissimus dorsi

  2. Pectoralis major

  3. Serratus anterior

  4. Rhomboid major

The correct answer is: Latissimus dorsi

The latissimus dorsi is primarily innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve, which arises from the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, specifically from the C6, C7, and C8 nerve roots. This nerve provides motor innervation to the latissimus dorsi, which is a large muscle responsible for several movements of the shoulder, including extension, adduction, and internal rotation of the arm. Its unique position allows it to reach across the lower back and attach to the humerus, facilitating its role in movements such as pulling and reaching. The other muscles listed have different innervations. The pectoralis major is innervated by the medial and lateral pectoral nerves, the serratus anterior is innervated by the long thoracic nerve, and the rhomboid major is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve. Understanding the specific nerves that innervate these muscles is crucial in anatomy and surgical practices, as it relates to the functional and clinical implications of nerve damage and muscle weakness.