According to BodyBuilding.com, pull ups use bodyweight to target an array of posterior muscles. Many muscles of the back are involved when the exercise is correctly performed. The exercise also engages muscles of the arm and the pectoral area.
Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi, also known as the lats muscle, runs from your pelvic girdle to your humerus (upper bone of the arm). It also attaches the spinal column, and is one of the largest muscles of the back. According to InnnerBody.com, this muscle is heavily engaged in performing the pull-up. During the exercise, the end of the muscle attached to the vertebral column and the pelvis moves, pulling the body up. Using a wide grip while performing a pull up will put extra emphasis on the lats.
Trapezius
The trapezius is a triangular muscle that covers the back of the neck and the posterior shoulders. The upper part of the trapezius raises the scapula, and is engaged during a pull up.
Rhomboids
These muscles connect each scapula to the spinal cord on each side of the back. According to Sports Injury Clinic, they bring the shoulder blades together and rotate the scapula downward. Both actions occur during the course of a pull up.
Pectoralis Muscles
According to BodyBuilding.com, the pectoralis muscles, which are located on the front of the body, are also engaged during the pull up exercise. The pectoralis minor rotates the scapula forward, and the pectoralis major plays a role in flexing the shoulder.
Triceps
The triceps muscle acts as a stabilizer during the pull up motion. The muscle runs up the back of the arm and connects with the humerus and the scapula. During the pull up motion, the triceps engages to stabilize the shoulder joint.
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