Dominic Stone
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back that starts at the base of the neck and extends across the shoulders and down the middle of the back. It is called so because the two trapezius muscles together form a trapezoid. The trapezius muscle is involved in several functions, including moving the shoulders, lifting the arms, and protecting the neck and spine. It is also an accessory breathing muscle, helping to open up a small amount of breathing room in the upper chest area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of trapezius muscles | 2 |
| Location | Either side of the upper back |
| Shape | Trapezoid |
| Sections | Upper, middle, and lower |
| Function | Support the body, help with movement, and maintain posture |
| Movements | Turning the head, twisting the torso, shrugging the shoulders, moving the shoulder blades, lifting the arms |
| Nerve supply | Cranial nerve XI (spinal accessory nerve) |
| Blood supply | Transverse muscular branches from the occipital artery, superficial cervical artery, muscular branches of the dorsal scapular artery |
| Injuries | Strains, pulls, spasms, tears, bruises |
| Treatments | Ice, heat, pain relievers, stretching, massage, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, kinesiology tape, surgery |
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What You'll Learn
The trapezius muscle helps with head, neck and upper back movement
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back that helps with head, neck, and upper back movement. There are two trapezius muscles, one on each side of the upper back, and they are commonly referred to as "traps" or "trap muscles". They are involved in various movements and are essential for maintaining posture and stabilizing the shoulder joint.
The upper trapezius, which goes across the tops of the shoulders, is responsible for elevating the shoulder girdle. It also helps extend, tilt, and rotate the neck, allowing the head to move back, to the side, and turn in the opposite direction. This muscle works closely with the supraspinatus to initiate the first 15 degrees of shoulder abduction, providing the necessary lift for arm elevation.
The middle trapezius, located below the upper trapezius, spreads across the shoulders. Its main function is to stabilize the shoulders during arm movement. When you throw your arms back, the middle trapezius muscles are hard at work.
The lower trapezius, also known as the inferior portion, extends from the shoulder blades down the back, forming a trapezoid shape. This section of the trapezius stabilizes the spine during twisting or bending movements. It also allows you to lower your shoulders and is involved in the downward rotation of the scapula.
The trapezius muscles work in conjunction with other muscles to produce coordinated movements. For example, the rhomboids (major and minor) work with the trapezius to retract and stabilize the scapula, playing a crucial role in shoulder movement and posture. The deltoid muscle, responsible for shoulder abduction, collaborates with the trapezius to stabilize and rotate the scapula, enabling smooth and powerful arm elevation.
To maintain healthy trapezius muscles, it is important to stay active and flexible. Stretching, yoga, Pilates, and gentle exercises can help improve the range of motion, strengthen the muscles, and prevent tightness.
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It supports posture and shoulder movement
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back, with one on each side of the body. It starts at the base of the neck, extending across the shoulders and down to the middle of the back. The trapezius muscle is the only muscle of the upper limb that does not receive its innervation from the brachial plexus. Instead, it is served by a cranial nerve called the spinal accessory nerve, or cranial nerve XI, which arises from the brain stem.
The trapezius muscle plays an important role in supporting posture and shoulder movement. It helps to maintain and adjust posture, including standing up straight or bending the upper back forward. It also moves the shoulders, lifts the arms out to the side, and protects the neck and spine. For example, you use your trapezius muscles when you shrug or pull your shoulders back. The upper trapezius, which goes across the tops of the shoulders, can elevate or bring up the shoulder girdle. It also helps extend, tilt, and rotate the neck, bringing the head back, to the side, and turning it.
The middle trapezius, which is the section below the upper trapezius, spreads across the shoulders and keeps them steady when the arms are moving. The lower trapezius, also known as the inferior portion of the trapezius, extends from the shoulder blades down the back and keeps the spine stable when you twist or bend over. It also allows you to lower your shoulders.
The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. For example, the rhomboids (major and minor) work closely with the trapezius to retract and stabilize the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder movement and posture. The deltoid muscle is the primary muscle for shoulder abduction and works closely with the trapezius for arm elevation. The levator scapulae elevates the scapula and works with the upper trapezius to lift and rotate the shoulder.
To avoid problems with the trapezius muscle, it is important to exercise and stay flexible. Shoulder stretches and trapezius exercises can improve the range of motion, strengthen muscles, and relax tight muscles. Yoga, Pilates, and other gentle exercises can help keep the muscles strong and flexible. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight, as carrying extra weight increases the risk of muscle strain.
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The muscle is susceptible to strain and injury
The trapezius muscle is susceptible to strain and injury. This is due to its role in supporting the body and enabling movement. The muscle is used almost constantly throughout the day, even when performing small actions such as adjusting your posture or turning your head.
Trapezius muscle strain can be caused by acute or chronic injury. Acute injuries happen suddenly due to trauma, such as a fall or collision, while chronic injuries occur over time through overuse or repetitive low-impact activities. Carrying extra weight can also increase the risk of trapezius muscle strain. Symptoms of a strained trapezius muscle include pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the neck and shoulders, and difficulty moving the arms freely.
To prevent trapezius muscle strain, it is important to exercise and maintain flexibility. Shoulder stretches and exercises such as yoga and Pilates can improve the range of motion, strengthen the muscle, and prevent tightness. It is also crucial to warm up properly before exercising and to stop if you feel pain. Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of muscle strain.
If you experience trapezius muscle strain, mild pain can often be treated with ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretching. Massage therapy can also be effective, particularly for tight upper trapezius muscles. For more severe strains, a doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, or pain relievers. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to stitch torn muscles back together.
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It works in conjunction with other muscles
The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back, with one on either side, and is involved in moving the shoulders, lifting the arms out to the side, and protecting the neck and spine.
The rhomboids (major and minor) work with the trapezius to retract and stabilize the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder movement and posture. They also assist in the downward rotation of the scapula, balancing the action of the trapezius during shoulder movements. This ensures smooth, controlled retraction and elevation, especially in actions such as rowing or pulling motions. The levator scapulae elevates the scapula and works with the upper trapezius to lift and rotate the shoulder. It also assists in downward rotation when the scapula is fixed, helping with tilting the neck to the same side or extending it backward.
The deltoid muscle is the primary muscle for shoulder abduction and works with the trapezius for arm elevation. The deltoid initiates the movement, while the trapezius stabilizes and rotates the scapula to allow a full range of motion. This collaboration ensures smooth and powerful arm elevation, making the deltoid essential for lifting the arm in all planes. The pectoralis minor assists the trapezius in stabilizing the scapula by drawing it forward and downward against the thoracic wall. This is crucial during movements involving pushing, reaching forward, or pulling down, helping maintain scapular stability and allowing the shoulder to move efficiently.
The latissimus dorsi works with the lower trapezius to assist in the downward rotation of the scapula and is heavily involved in actions such as pulling, rowing, or swimming. It also aids in shoulder adduction, extension, and internal rotation, providing strength and stability during arm and shoulder movements. The supraspinatus works with the upper trapezius to initiate the first 15 degrees of shoulder abduction, providing the necessary lift for arm elevation. It stabilizes the shoulder joint, allowing smooth arm movement, especially during lifting or overhead activities.
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The trapezius can be used for musculocutaneous tissue flap harvesting
The trapezius muscle is a large, thin muscle that runs from the base of the neck across the shoulders and down to the middle of the back. It is named for its shape, which resembles a trapezoid or a kite. The trapezius muscle is involved in several movements, including turning the head, adjusting posture, twisting the torso, shrugging the shoulders, and moving the shoulders and upper back. It also plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability, working in conjunction with other muscles such as the deltoid, rhomboids, levator scapulae, and pectoralis minor.
Due to its extensive vascular supply, the trapezius muscle can be used for musculocutaneous tissue flap harvesting for reconstructive purposes. This technique was first introduced in 1979 by Demergasso and Piazza, who reported the use of both myocutaneous and osteomyocutaneous trapezius flaps for reconstruction of the hypopharynx and mandible. The trapezius flap is versatile and can be used for complex head and neck reconstructions with minimal donor site morbidity. It can be harvested based on the dorsal scapular artery or the superficial cervical artery, depending on the orientation of the flap and the length of the pedicle required.
The lower trapezius island musculocutaneous flap is a specific technique that has been used for craniofacial reconstruction and oral cavity reconstruction. It involves making an incision in the distal and lateral portion of the skin paddle, elevating the paddle medially to reach the trapezius muscle, and then continuing the elevation deep to the muscle in a medial and cephalad direction. The skin paddle can extend up to 10-15 cm caudal to the tip of the scapula, with an average size of 150-200 cm2.
The trapezius flap has certain anatomical considerations that must be taken into account. For example, prior sacrifice of the proximal transverse cervical artery may require selecting an alternative flap or reconstructive procedure. Additionally, the trapezius flap has been largely supplanted by free tissue transfer due to the availability of other donor site options with reduced morbidity. Nevertheless, the trapezius flap remains a valuable option for head and neck reconstructions, particularly when a long pedicle and a wide arc of rotation are needed.
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Frequently asked questions
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in your upper back. There is one on each side of your body, starting at the base of your neck and extending across your shoulders and down to the middle of your back.
The trapezius muscle helps to move your head, neck, and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture. It is also involved in movements of the shoulder girdle, such as lifting your arms out to the side, shrugging your shoulders, and twisting your torso.
Trapezius muscle pain can be caused by overuse, injuries, or nerve damage. It can also be caused by muscle spasms due to inactivity.
Mild trapezius muscle pain can often be resolved using ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretching. Tight trapezius muscles may also respond well to massage therapy.
