Which of the following are the primary actions of the latissimus dorsi muscle?

• A. Extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the shoulder
• B. Extension, abduction, and lateral rotation of the shoulder
• C. Flexion, adduction, and medial rotation of the shoulder
• D. Flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation of the shoulder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the primary actions of the latissimus dorsi muscle, which are extension, adduction, and medial rotation of the shoulder.
2. Understand that extension refers to increasing the angle between the body parts, such as moving the arm backward.
3. Recognize that adduction is the movement of a limb toward the midline of the body, such as bringing the arm closer to the torso.
4. Medial rotation involves rotating the arm towards the center of the body, which is a key function of the latissimus dorsi.
5. Compare these actions with the options provided to determine which set of actions matches the primary functions of the latissimus dorsi.