The dorsoscapular nerve contributes to the function of which muscle?

• A. Latissimus dorsi
• B. Rhomboids
• C. Levator scapulae
• D. Deltoid

Answer: (C)

The dorsal scapular nerve carries motor fibers to muscles that stabilize and move the scapula, especially levator scapulae and the rhomboids. Levator scapulae elevates the scapula, a action directly supported by this nerve’s supply. In contrast, the latissimus dorsi is innervated by the thoracodorsal nerve and the deltoid by the axillary nerve, so they are not served by the dorsal scapular nerve. Rhomboids also receive fibers from the dorsal scapular nerve, but among the options, levator scapulae is the primary muscle whose function is classically linked to this nerve’s distribution.