Trapezius

Musculus trapezius

A large, flat, triangular muscle of the upper back and neck. It originates from the external occipital protuberance, ligamentum nuchae, and spinous processes of C7-T12. It inserts on the lateral third of the clavicle, acromion, and spine of the scapula.

Tipo Muscle
Sistema corporal Muscular
Región corporal Back
Nombre latino Musculus trapezius
FMA ID 9626

Función

Elevates, retracts, and rotates the scapula. The upper fibers elevate the scapula, middle fibers retract it, and lower fibers depress and upwardly rotate it. Stabilizes the scapula during arm movements.

Significado clínico

Trapezius weakness from spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) injury causes shoulder droop and difficulty with arm abduction above 90 degrees. Myofascial trigger points in the trapezius are a common cause of neck and shoulder pain.

Preguntas frecuentes

What is the trapezius?
The trapezius is a large, flat, triangular muscle of the upper back and neck. It is divided into upper, middle, and lower fibers, each contributing differently to movements of the scapula and neck.
Where is the trapezius located?
The trapezius originates from the external occipital protuberance, the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of C7–T12. It inserts on the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion, and the spine of the scapula.
What is the function of the trapezius?
The trapezius stabilizes and moves the scapula: the upper fibers elevate and upwardly rotate it, the middle fibers retract it, and the lower fibers depress and upwardly rotate it. It also assists in extending and laterally flexing the neck.
What conditions may be associated with the trapezius?
The trapezius is commonly involved in neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, and myofascial pain syndromes. Accessory nerve (CN XI) injury may be associated with trapezius weakness, resulting in shoulder drooping and difficulty raising the arm.
What does the trapezius look like?
The trapezius forms a diamond or kite-shaped muscle when viewed from the back, with its broad origin spanning from the skull to the lower thoracic spine. Its upper portion forms the characteristic slope between the neck and shoulder visible in surface anatomy.

Estructuras relacionadas

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Aviso médico

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Educational Disclaimer

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.