The muscles of the back can be divided into three groups – superficial, intermediate and deep: Superficial – associated with movements of the shoulder. Intermediate – associated with movements of the thoracic cage. Deep – associated with movements of the vertebral column. The deep muscles develop embryologically in the back, and are thus described as intrinsic muscles. The superficial and intermediate muscles do not develop in the back, and are classified as extrinsic muscles. This article is about the anatomy of the superficial back muscles – their attachments, innervations and functions. 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 the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, levator scapulae and the rhomboids. The trapezius
Hemiplegia is paralysis of the muscles of the lower face, arm, and leg on one side of the body. In addition to motor problems other losses may occur eg.sensation, memory, cognition. The most common cause of hemiplegia is stroke, which damages the corticospinal tracts in one hemisphere of the brain. Other causes of hemiplegia include trauma eg. spinal cord injury; brain tumours; and brain infections. Hemiplegia is treated by addressing the underlying cause and by various forms of therapy to recover motor function. In particular, motor function in a hemiparetic limb may be improved with physical therapy and with mirror therapy. Hemiplegia is often used interchangeably with hemiparesis as both produce similar symptoms. An individual living with hemiparesis experiences a weak paralysis on one side of the body, while hemiplegia may cause the person to experience full paralysis on one side of their body, as well as difficulty breathing or speaking. Etiology Vascular - Cerebral hemorrhage ,