The superficial back muscles are situated underneath the skin and superficial fascia. They originate from the vertebral column and attach to the bones of the shoulder – the clavicle, scapula and humerus. All these muscles are therefore associated with movements of the upper limb.
The muscles in this group are:

  • Trapezius;
  • Latissimus Dorsi;
  • Levator Scapulae;
  • Rhomboids.

The Trapezius and the Latissimus Dorsi lie the most superficially, with the Trapezius covering the Rhomboids and Levator Scapulae.