What nerve is responsible for innervating the rhomboid minor?

• A. Dorsal scapular nerve
• B. Medial pectoral nerve
• C. Subscapular nerve
• D. Anterior interosseous nerve

Answer: (A)

The rhomboid minor muscle is primarily responsible for retracting the scapula and is innervated by the dorsal scapular nerve. This nerve arises from the roots of the brachial plexus, typically from the fifth cervical nerve (C5), and it specifically innervates both the rhomboid minor and rhomboid major muscles. Understanding the anatomy and function of the dorsal scapular nerve provides insight into its role in shoulder girdle movement and stability.

The other nerves listed do not innervate the rhomboid minor. The medial pectoral nerve innervates the pectoralis major and minor muscles, the subscapular nerve primarily innervates the subscapularis and teres major muscles, and the anterior interosseous nerve is a branch of the median nerve that supplies deep muscles in the forearm. This understanding underscores the specificity of nerve innervation within the shoulder and upper back musculature.