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The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. It is involved in several functions, including posture stabilization and movement of the head, neck, and upper back. The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. This muscle is commonly referred to as traps or trap muscles. So, which muscle opposes the trapezius?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Trapezoid/Trapezoid-shaped |
| Number of Muscles | 2 |
| Muscle Location | Upper back |
| Muscle Function | Stabilizes and moves the scapula, supports the arm, helps maintain posture, moves the head, neck and upper back |
| Muscle Movement | Elevation of the scapula, scapular retraction, abduction of the shoulder, scapular rotation, scapular translation |
| Muscle Injury | Rare but can occur due to overuse, nerve damage, or injury |
| Muscle Pain | Neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain |
| Muscle Dysfunction | Winged scapula, abnormal mobility or function of the scapula (scapular dyskinesia) |
| Muscle Palsy | Trapezius palsy due to damage of the spinal accessory nerve |
| Muscle Strain | Occurs when the trapezius muscle is stretched too far |
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Serratus Anterior
The Serratus Anterior is a fan-shaped muscle that originates on the upper ribs, specifically the superolateral surfaces of the first to eighth or ninth ribs at the lateral wall of the thorax. It inserts along the superior angle, medial border, and inferior angle of the scapula, with the main part lying deep under the scapula and the pectoral muscles. The serratus anterior is also referred to as the "boxer's muscle" because it is crucial for the protraction of the scapula, which happens when throwing a punch.
The serratus anterior has three parts: the superior part, which originates from the first to second rib and inserts at the superior angle of the scapula; the intermediate part, which originates from the second to third rib and inserts at the medial border of the scapula; and the inferior part, which originates from the fourth to eighth or ninth rib and inserts at the medial border and inferior angle of the scapula. The inferior part is the most prominent and powerful division of the muscle.
The main functions of the serratus anterior include protraction and upward rotation of the scapulothoracic joint. It is a key stabiliser of the scapula, working to keep the shoulder blades against the rib cage during rest and movement. Additionally, it collaborates with the upper and lower fibres of the trapezius muscle to maintain the upward rotation of the scapula, enabling overhead arm movement.
The serratus anterior is essential for breathing as well. When the shoulder blade is fixed, the serratus anterior, along with other accessory inspiratory muscles, is activated to support respiration. This muscle lifts the rib cage, aiding in breathing.
In terms of its relationship with the trapezius, the serratus anterior works in conjunction with the trapezius to optimise scapula position and scapulohumeral rhythm. While the trapezius muscle induces scapular rotation and downward movement, the serratus anterior counterbalances this action by facilitating scapular protraction and upward rotation. Together, they ensure smooth and coordinated movements of the scapula.
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Rhomboids
The rhomboids are a group of muscles formed by the rhomboid major and minor. They are located in the upper back and are considered superficial muscles. The rhomboids work closely with the trapezius muscle to stabilize and move the scapula, or shoulder blade, and play a crucial role in shoulder movement and posture.
The rhomboid minor is a small, cylindrical muscle that consists of two layers: the dorsal and ventral layers. It originates at the nuchal ligament and spinous processes of the seventh cervical (C7) and first thoracic (T1) vertebrae. The muscle extends obliquely and inserts into the base of the medial end of the spine of the scapula. The dorsal layer attaches dorsolateral and inferior to the levator scapulae, while the ventral layer inserts inferomedially to the levator scapulae.
The rhomboid major, on the other hand, is a broad, quadrangular muscle located just below the rhomboid minor. It originates from the spinous processes of the second to fifth thoracic vertebrae (T2-T5) and extends obliquely to insert into the medial border of the scapula. The attachment occurs on both the dorsal and costal aspects of the medial border. The rhomboid major is also referred to as a "kite-shaped" muscle.
Together, the rhomboid major and minor muscles retract, elevate, and rotate the scapula. They also work in conjunction with the levator scapulae to elevate and retract the scapula. Additionally, the rhomboids help prevent "winging" of the scapula, ensuring proper shoulder placement and function. The rhomboids receive their nerve supply from the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and their vascular supply from the dorsal scapular artery (DSA).
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Latissimus Dorsi
The latissimus dorsi is a large, flat muscle that stretches across the back and is partly covered by the trapezius. The name "latissimus dorsi" comes from Latin and means "broadest [muscle] of the back". The muscle is also commonly referred to as the “lats”, especially among bodybuilders.
The latissimus dorsi is the widest muscle in the human body. It is relatively thin and covers almost all back muscles at the posterior trunk, except the trapezius. Along with the levator scapulae, trapezius, and rhomboid muscles, the latissimus dorsi belongs to the superficial layer of extrinsic back muscles.
The latissimus dorsi is responsible for extension, adduction, transverse extension (also known as horizontal abduction or horizontal extension), flexion from an extended position, and medial internal rotation of the shoulder joint. It also has a synergistic role in extension and lateral flexion of the lumbar spine. The muscle is active in moving the trunk anterior and superior when the upper extremities are fixed overhead, as in climbing or performing a chin-up.
The latissimus dorsi is supplied predominantly by the thoracodorsal artery, a continuation of the subscapular artery, which is a branch of the third part of the axillary artery. The thoracodorsal nerve, a branch of the posterior cord of the brachial plexus, provides innervation to the latissimus dorsi.
The latissimus dorsi works with the lower trapezius to assist in 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.
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Levator Scapulae
The levator scapulae is a posterior axio-appenducular muscle that connects the upper limb to the vertebral column. It is located in the posterior triangle of the neck, with its superior aspect covered by the sternocleidomastoid and its inferior aspect by the trapezius muscle. The levator scapulae originates on the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of cervical vertebrae 1 to 4 and inserts onto the vertebral margin of the scapula.
The levator scapulae is innervated by the cervical nerve (C3-C4) and the dorsal scapular nerve (C5), and it receives its blood supply from the dorsal scapular artery. This muscle functions to elevate the scapula and tilt the glenoid cavity inferiorly by rotating the scapula downward. When the scapula is fixed, contraction of the levator scapulae results in lateral flexion of the cervical vertebral column to the same side, and it also stabilizes the vertebral column during rotation.
The levator scapulae plays a crucial role in neck posture, and its tightness can lead to cervicogenic headaches. The muscle can be assessed by placing a patient in a supine position and palpating for trigger points, which are common in this muscle. Pain caused by the levator scapulae can be relieved through various active movements and modalities.
The levator scapulae is also implicated in certain surgical procedures, such as the Modified Eden-Lange procedure, where it is attached to the spine of the scapula. Additionally, during a cervical paravertebral block, needle insertion can be performed between the levator scapulae and the trapezius muscles to optimise the approach and reduce pain and soft tissue injury.
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Supraspinatus
The supraspinatus muscle is the smallest of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff of the shoulder joint. It is located in the supraspinous fossa of the scapula, superior to the scapular spine. The supraspinatus muscle is responsible for abduction of the arm, pulling the head of the humerus medially towards the glenoid cavity and preventing it from slipping inferiorly. It also assists in lateral rotation of the humerus.
The supraspinatus is a significant contributor to shoulder pain in the general population, often due to tears or tendonitis. Tears can be full or partial, and may be asymptomatic or cause chronic pain. Calcification of the supraspinatus tendon can worsen this pain and is often treated with arthroscopic surgery, which has been shown to be effective in improving shoulder functionality and reducing pain.
The supraspinatus muscle works closely 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. This coordination between the supraspinatus and trapezius muscles is essential for maintaining proper shoulder mechanics and function.
The supraspinatus muscle has a complex architecture that has been described in multiple ways, including fusiform and circumpennate. It consists of anterior and posterior muscle bellies, with the tendon of the anterior belly thicker and more tubular, while the posterior tendon is flatter and wider. The anterior tendon is subjected to significantly greater stress than the posterior tendon, which is reflected in the histologic intratendinous structural differences between the two portions.
In summary, the supraspinatus muscle plays a crucial role in shoulder abduction and stabilization, working in tandem with the trapezius muscle to facilitate smooth arm movements. Its health and integrity are vital for maintaining shoulder functionality and preventing pain.
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Frequently asked questions
The levator scapulae and the rhomboids work in opposition to the trapezius to induce downward rotation of the scapula.
The trapezius is a large muscle in the back that starts at the back of the head and neck, extending across the shoulders and down the middle of the back.
The trapezius muscle is involved in movements of the shoulder girdle, including lifting the arms out to the side, and it also protects the neck and spine. It acts as both a posture stabilizer and a movement muscle.
The trapezius muscle is commonly referred to as the "traps" or "trap muscles".
Injury to the trapezius muscle can cause neck and shoulder pain, and may result in a drooping shoulder and difficulty lifting the arm properly.
