Ask the patient to fold his/her arms across his/her chest. This position protracts the scapula, so that the vertebral border of the scapula is not covered by the lower trapezius. Palpate the triangle of ausculation with the boundaries of the lower trapezius, the vertebral border of the scapula, and the latissimus dorsi. The rhomboid major is part of the floor of the triangle. If the patient leans forward, the rhomboid major covers less of the floor as the scapula protracts further and parts of the sixth and seventh ribs and interspace between the ribs become more accessible for auscultation. With unclear muscle activity in the lower trapezius, resist shoulder flexion isometrically. With unclear muscle activity in the latissimus dorsi, resist shoulder extension isometrically.