LATISSIMUS Meaning and
Definition
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Latissimus is a term used predominantly in anatomy to refer to a specific muscle in the human body, the latissimus dorsi. Derived from the Latin words "latus" meaning "broad" and "issimus" meaning "the most," latissimus directly translates to "the broadest muscle." The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat, and triangular muscle located on the posterior aspect of the trunk.
Often referred to as the "lats," the latissimus dorsi connects the upper extremity to the vertebral column, serving as a crucial muscle for various movements. Originating from the lower back and the posterior iliac crest, the lats extend superiorly towards the thoracic and lumbar regions to find insertion points into the humerus bone of the upper arm. The wide origin and insertion areas contribute to the overall breadth and strength of the muscle.
Primarily responsible for extending, adducting, and internally rotating the arm, the latissimus dorsi plays a vital role in movements such as pulling, rowing, and swimming strokes. The latissimus dorsi muscle is also involved in stabilizing the trunk and assisting in breathing.
In summary, latissimus is a term used to describe the broadest muscle in the human body, the latissimus dorsi. This muscle is located on the posterior aspect of the trunk and is responsible for various movements of the arm, contributing to pulling and stabilizing actions.
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Broadest, a term applied to certain broad flat muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LATISSIMUS
- katissimus
- patissimus
- oatissimus
- lztissimus
- lstissimus
- lwtissimus
- lqtissimus
- larissimus
- lafissimus
- lagissimus
- layissimus
- la6issimus
- la5issimus
- latussimus
- latjssimus
- latkssimus
- latossimus
- lat9ssimus
- lat8ssimus
- latiasimus
Etymology of LATISSIMUS
The word latissimus is derived from the Latin term latus, which means broad or wide. The term latissimus comes from the superlative form of latus, indicating the widest or the broadest muscle. In anatomy, the term specifically refers to the broadest muscle of the back, known as the latissimus dorsi.
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