Levator scapulae muscle

The levator scapulae is situated at the back and side of the neck.

Origin and insertion

It arises by tendinous slips from the transverse processes of the atlas and axis and from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae.

It is inserted into the vertebral border of the scapula, between the medial angle and the triangular smooth surface at the root of the spine.

Actions

If the head is fixed, the levator scapulæ raises the medial angle of the scapula.

If the shoulder is fixed, the muscle inclines the neck to the corresponding side and rotates it in the same direction.

The levator scapula, along with the trapezius muscle, makes a shrug possible.

Variations

The number of vertebral attachments varies; a slip may extend to the occipital or mastoid, to the trapezius, scalene or serratus anterior, or to the first or second rib.

The muscle may be subdivided into several distinct parts from origin to insertion.

Levator claviculæ from the transverse processes of one or two upper cervical vertebræ to the outer end of the clavicle corresponds to a muscle of lower animals.

More or less union with the serratus anterior.

Nerves

The levator scapulæ are supplied by the third and fourth cervical nerves, and frequently by a branch from the dorsal scapular.

Additional images

External links