The latissimus dorsi muscle is a member of the superficial layer of the extrinsic back muscles , along with the levator scapulae, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. The latissimus dorsi muscle is one of the scapular motion muscles, so it serves a functional purpose. Latissimus dorsi, often known as the ‘lats,’ is the broadest muscle in the human body that covers almost the entire back , overlying most other back muscles. The flat spine muscle is one of the four superficial extrinsic back muscles, along with the trapezius, rhomboids, and levator scapulae. Learn about the anatomy of the latissimus dorsi muscle easily at Bodyworks Prime. Learn its origin, insertion, action, innervation, blood supply and more. latissimus dorsi , widest and most powerful muscle of the back. It is a large, flat, triangular muscle covering the lower back. It arises from the lower half of the vertebral column and iliac crest (hipbone) and tapers to a rounded tendon inserted at (attached to) the front of the upper part of the humerus (upper-arm bone).