The latissimus dorsi muscle is the largest muscle in the body, up to 20 by 40 centimeters, allowing coverage of extremely large wounds 

In spite of its size, no significant donor functional deficit results from removal of the muscle 

It is the largest flap that can be harvested on a single predicle, 

and can even be combined with the serratus, scapular or parascapular flaps, to create a flap complex that can cover massive wounds. 

In the normal population the muscle is quite thin (less than 1 centimeter thick), allowing it to be draped over irregular surfaces with ease. 

With the rectus muscle and radial forearm flap, it represents one of the workhorse flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. 

When re-innervated using the thoracodorsal nerve, the latissimus can be used as a functional muscle.