Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The Trapezius Muscle is a large muscle that extends down the back of the neck and upper spine. It is a surface muscle that is responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula (shoulder blade) and extending the head at the neck.

Anatomy

The trapezius muscle is a broad, flat and triangular muscle. The muscle is named for its trapezoidal shape. It is divided into three parts: upper (descending), middle, and lower (ascending) fibers, related to the direction of the fibers.

Upper fibers

The upper fibers of the trapezius originate from the base of the skull and the ligamentum nuchae. They descend to insert on the lateral third of the clavicle.

Middle fibers

The middle fibers, or transverse of the trapezius, originate from the vertebrae C1-C4 and insert on the medial margin of the acromion and the superior lip of the scapular spine.

Lower fibers

The lower fibers, or ascending fibers, originate from the vertebrae T1-T12 and insert on the tubercle at the apex of the scapular spine.

Function

The trapezius has several functions: the upper fibers elevate the scapulae, the middle fibers retract the scapulae, and the lower fibers depress the scapulae.

Clinical significance

The trapezius muscle can be a source of headache pain, typically in the suboccipital region, due to muscle tension.

See also

• List of muscles of the human body
• Scapula
• Vertebra

Trapezius muscle Resources
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