Trapezius Muscle
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle consisting of four parts covering the upper back, shoulders and neck.
It is used in shrugging the shoulders and with overehad movements.
Trapezius muscle explained
- Part 1: Upper fibres of the cervical vertebrae. This is the weakest part of the muscle and only provides minor elevation of the clavicle.
- Part 2: The area commonly known as upper trapz. This is a strong elevator, rotator and retractor of the scapula.
- Part 3: The mid-portion of the Trapzius. These fibres are mainly responsible for scapula retraction.
- Part 4: The lower fibres of Trapezius. This part of the muscle assists in retraction and rotation.
When all parts of the muscle work together they have the effect of simultaneously elevating and retracting the scapula. The Trapezius is used most commonly to fix the scapula to allow the Deltoid to move the Humerus.
Origin
- Occipital protuberance (base of skull)
- Ligaments cervical spine.
- Spinous processes of C7-T12
Insertion.
- Posterior outer 1/3 of the clavicle.
- Acromion process.
- Spine of the scapula
Actions
- Scapula elevation.
- Scapula retraction.
- Upward rotation of the scapula
Innervation
- Cranial nerve
Daily uses
- Shrugging shoulders.
- Overhead movements
Example strengthening exercises
- Shrugs
- Reverse fly using a resistance band
Example stretches
- Lateral Neck Flexion
- Forward Neck Flexion
- Neck Rotation
Related injuries
- Tight muscles in the upper back and neck
- Postural kyphosis
Related muscles
- Rhomboids.
- Deltoid muscle.
