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The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle located on either side of the upper back, neck, and shoulders. It is involved in various movements of the shoulder girdle and is therefore considered a muscle of the upper limb rather than of the back. The trapezius is responsible for maintaining and adjusting posture, including standing up straight or bending the upper back forward, and is also involved in rotating the neck and turning the head. It is divided into three functional parts: the descending (upper) part, the transverse (middle) part, and the ascending (lower) part, each with different functions and attachments to the skull, spine, ribs, and bones in the shoulders.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number | Two, one on either side of the upper back |
| Shape | Trapezoid, diamond, kite |
| Function | Movement of the head, neck, upper back, shoulder, and arm |
| Support | Spinal column, scapula |
| Attachments | Skull, spine, ribs, bones in the shoulders, collarbone |
| Muscle Fibers | Upper, Middle, Lower |
| Sensory Functions | Ventral rami of C3 and C4 |
| Nerve Innervation | Cranial nerve, Accessory nerve (CN XI), spinal nerves C3 and C4 |
| Injury | Neck injuries, strains, spasms, nerve damage |
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What You'll Learn
Trapezius muscles are found on either side of your upper back
The trapezius muscles are found on either side of your upper back. They are two large muscles that help you move your head, neck, and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture. They are commonly referred to as "traps" or "trap muscles".
The trapezius muscles are essential for posture and shoulder and arm movement. They have several origin points along the midline of the posterior neck and back. The upper trapezius arises from the occipital bone in the back of the skull and the nuchal line in the back of the neck. It also has attachments to the spinous processes of cervical levels one through six via the ligamentum nuchae. The lower fibers of the trapezius arise from the spinous processes of cervical seven through thoracic level twelve.
The trapezius muscles get their name from their shape. When viewed together, they form a diamond or trapezoid shape. They are triangular, broad, and thin, covering the upper back, shoulders, and neck. The trapezius is the most superficial of the extrinsic muscles of the back and is part of the musculoskeletal system.
The trapezius muscles have many attachment points, extending from the skull and vertebral column to the shoulder girdle. They connect to the skull, spine, ribs, and bones in the shoulders. The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with several other muscles, including the rhomboids and levator scapulae, to produce coordinated movements involving the scapula.
The trapezius muscles are commonly affected by injuries or issues such as limited mobility, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, neck and shoulder stiffness, and swelling or bruising in the shoulders, neck, or back. Stress and muscle strains are common causes of trapezius muscle pain.
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They help with posture, neck tilting, and rotating your neck
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles found on either side of the upper back. They are commonly referred to as "traps" or "trap muscles". Each trapezius muscle has three sections: the upper, middle, and lower sections. They run from the base of the neck, across the shoulders, and down to the middle of the back, connecting to the skull, spine, ribs, and shoulder bones.
These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining and adjusting posture. They help keep the body grounded and stable, preventing slouching or slumping, which can pull these muscles out of alignment and cause tension. By supporting the body and facilitating movement, the trapezius muscles enable various motions, including standing up straight and bending the upper back forward.
The trapezius muscles are also instrumental in neck tilting and rotation. They facilitate the movement of the head, neck, and upper back, allowing for neck tilting and side-to-side rotation. This includes actions such as tilting the head up and down and turning it to either side.
It is important to maintain the health and flexibility of the trapezius muscles through exercises such as yoga and Pilates. While trapezius muscle injuries are less common than in other muscles, overuse, nerve damage, and stress can lead to pain and limited mobility in these areas.
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They are triangular, broad, and thin
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular-shaped muscle that covers the upper back, shoulders, and neck. It is broad and thin, with attachment points along the midline of the posterior neck and back. The trapezius muscle is involved in various movements and functions, including:
Posture and Spinal Stability
The trapezius muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining and adjusting posture. It works in conjunction with other muscles, such as the rhomboids, to stabilize and move the scapula (shoulder blade). The upper fibers elevate the scapulae, the middle fibers retract them, and the lower fibers depress them. This coordination ensures smooth and controlled movements during activities like rowing or pulling motions.
Neck Movement
The trapezius muscle enables you to turn your head from side to side, tilt your neck, and rotate it. The upper portion of the trapezius is particularly active during neck extension, such as when you look up or extend your head backward.
Shoulder Movement
The trapezius muscle assists in shoulder movements, including abduction (moving the arm away from the body) and adduction (returning the arm to the body). It also helps with shoulder elevation, depression, and internal rotation of the arm.
Head and Neck Support
The trapezius muscle provides support to the head and neck, helping to maintain their position and stability. It connects to the skull, spine, ribs, and bones in the shoulders, contributing to the structural integrity of the upper body.
Range of Motion
The trapezius muscle allows for a wide range of motion in the upper body. It enables you to lift your arm, throw something, or perform overhead presses. The muscle's flexibility and mobility contribute to the overall functionality of the arms and shoulders.
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They are the most superficial of the extrinsic muscles of the back
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles, one on either side of your upper back. They are the most superficial of the extrinsic muscles of the back, which means they are the closest to the surface of the skin. These muscles are also known as immigrant muscles, as they are not actually part of the back but of the upper limb. They have migrated to the back during fetal development.
The trapezius muscles are involved in several movements of the shoulder girdle and are, therefore, considered muscles of the upper limb. They help with posture, shoulder and arm movement, and maintaining and adjusting your posture. They also help with rotating your neck, bringing your shoulder blades back, and stabilising your spine.
The trapezius muscles have several origin points along the midline of the posterior neck and back. The superior fibres attach to the medial third of the superior nuchal line, the occipital bone, and the nuchal ligament. The middle fibres originate from the spinous processes of the vertebrae and their intervening supraspinous ligaments. These fibres run horizontally towards the shoulder, forming the transverse part of the trapezius. The inferior fibres originate from the spinous processes of the lower vertebrae and their respective supraspinous ligaments.
The trapezius muscles are paired muscles that form a diamond or trapezoid shape when viewed together. They have many attachment points, extending from the skull and vertebral column to the shoulder girdle. The trapezius muscles are the only upper limb muscles that do not receive their innervation from the brachial plexus. Instead, they are supplied by the accessory nerve (CN XI) and the anterior rami of the C3 and C4 spinal nerves.
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They are involved in scapular translation and scapular rotation
The trapezius muscles are two large muscles that sit on either side of your upper back. They are involved in scapular translation and scapular rotation.
The trapezius muscles have three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The upper trapezius muscle fibres originate in the back of the skull and neck, with attachments to the cervical levels one through six. The middle fibres arise from the seventh cervical vertebrae and the first, second, and third thoracic vertebrae. The lower fibres originate from the cervical seven through the thoracic level twelve.
The upper fibres of the trapezius muscles elevate and rotate the scapula upward, while the lower fibres depress the scapula and assist the upper fibres in rotating the scapula upward. The middle fibres adduct the scapula, drawing the shoulder blades together.
The trapezius muscles are involved in scapular translation and rotation, which are essential for movements such as throwing objects. The upper fibres of the trapezius muscles elevate the scapula, while the lower fibres depress the scapula, moving it downward. The middle fibres of the trapezius muscles adduct the scapula, bringing the shoulder blades together.
The trapezius muscles work in conjunction with other muscles, such as the deltoid muscle, the levator scapulae, and the rhomboid muscles, to produce the necessary movements of the scapula. The ability of the trapezius muscles to stabilise and move the scapula is crucial for maintaining proper posture and performing various physical activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Your trapezius muscles are located on either side of your upper back. They start at the base of your neck and extend across your shoulders and down to the middle of your back.
The trapezius muscles are triangular, broad, and thin. When viewed together, they form a diamond or trapezoid shape, which is how they get their name.
Your trapezius muscles help you move your head, neck, and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture. They are also involved in shoulder and arm movement.
Common symptoms of trapezius injuries include limited mobility, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness, neck and shoulder stiffness, and swelling, bruising, or tenderness in your shoulders, neck, or back.
