Levator scapulae

Musculus levator scapulae

Also known as: levator of the scapula

A strap-like muscle from the upper cervical transverse processes to the superior angle of the scapula. It elevates the scapula and rotates it downward.

Show on body map Muscles — Posterior View

Overview

Levator scapulae descends from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1–C4 to the superior angle and the medial border of the scapula above the root of the spine. Its upper part lies deep to SCM, its middle part forms part of the floor of the posterior triangle, and its lower part lies deep to trapezius. Its fibres twist slightly on the way down.

With trapezius, it elevates the scapula (shrugging). With the rhomboids and pectoralis minor, it downwardly rotates the scapula, tilting the glenoid inferiorly. When the scapula is fixed, it laterally flexes and rotates the neck to the same side. It is a common site of tension and "knots" in people who work at desks or carry bags on one shoulder.

Anatomy

Origin: Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1–C4.
Insertion: Superior angle and medial border of the scapula, above the root of the spine.
Action: Elevates the scapula and rotates it downward; laterally flexes the neck to the same side.
Innervation: Dorsal scapular nerve (C5) and direct branches of the C3–C4 cervical spinal nerves.
Nerve roots: C3–C5
Arterial supply: Dorsal scapular artery; transverse cervical and ascending cervical arteries.
Relations: The dorsal scapular nerve and artery run along or deep to it toward the rhomboids. It lies in the floor of the posterior triangle between splenius capitis and the posterior scalene.

Function

Elevates the scapula
Downwardly rotates the scapula (glenoid inferiorly)
Laterally flexes the neck when the scapula is fixed

Clinical significance