At the glenohumeral joint, what are the primary actions of the latissimus dorsi?

• A. Abduction and external rotation
• B. Depression only
• C. Adduction and internal rotation
• D. Flexion and abduction

Answer: (C)

The latissimus dorsi pulls the arm at the shoulder to extend it, bring it toward the body (adduction), and rotate the arm inward (internal rotation). Among the options, adduction and internal rotation best capture its primary actions at the glenohumeral joint. Abduction and external rotation describe opposite directions, and flexion or pure depression aren’t the primary actions of this muscle at the shoulder joint. In movements like rowing or pulling, the latissimus dorsi acts to pull the arm down and toward the body while rotating it inward.