Latissimus dorsi
How To: It can be seen more clearly by cutting away the pectoralis major. It is best to use the blunt probe and rip away the connective tissue in the armpit, which will let you see the latissimus dorsi more clearly. You should end up with several empty "holes" or cavities near the arm where connective tissue has been cleared out
- Action: This muscle moves the foreleg posteriorly and dorsally
- Origin: varies, from the lower back, and from the lumbar/lower thoracic vertebrae
- Insertion: Proximal end of the humerus, on the medial surface
- located on the side of the pig, posterior to the foreleg
In the above picture, the pectoralis major has not been removed. From this angle, the latissimus dorsi is visible-- it is the band of muscle on the right, under the forelimb.