Infrascapular Region of the Back, Gross Anatomy

Description

Centered on the infrascapular region, the posterior thorax is framed by the inferior angle and medial border of the scapula superiorly, the spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae medially, and the posterolateral ribs laterally. Superficial contours correspond to trapezius over the upper back and latissimus dorsi sweeping inferolaterally toward the posterior axillary fold, with deeper planes logically including rhomboid major, infraspinatus, teres major, and the thoracolumbar fascia as it thickens over the lower thoracic and upper lumbar spine. The scapula rests on the rib cage, so scapulothoracic glide sits directly anterior to these muscle layers. Clear surface landmarks. For teaching, this region matters because scapular position controls shoulder mechanics and because pain here is often misattributed to the glenohumeral joint when it arises from the scapulothoracic interface or adjacent muscles. Clinicians map focal tenderness and trigger points along the medial scapular border to rhomboid strain or dorsal scapular nerve irritation, and they correlate posterolateral thoracic pain with latissimus dorsi overload or costovertebral dysfunction after coughing or lifting. The lower extent, where the latissimus blends with thoracolumbar fascia, is also a surgical landmark during posterolateral thoracotomy and during harvest of a latissimus dorsi flap, where preserving the thoracodorsal neurovascular pedicle becomes the practical constraint. Educators can drop this figure into surface anatomy labs, musculoskeletal ultrasound and palpation teaching, and orthopedic or sports medicine chapters discussing scapular dyskinesis, scapulothoracic bursitis, and posterior thoracic myofascial pain patterns. Medical publishers will also find it useful for patient-facing materials where skin tone representation matters while maintaining accurate posterior trunk landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.