Dominic Stone
The trapezius muscle, commonly referred to as 'traps' or 'trap muscles', is a large, triangular muscle in the upper back that spans a large width of the back and shoulders. It is made up of long muscle fibres and is involved in several functions, including posture stabilisation and movement of the scapula, neck and head.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper back, neck, and thorax |
| Shape | Triangular, trapezoidal |
| Muscle fibres | Long fibres spanning a large width of the upper back |
| Function | Stabilises and moves the scapula, controls shoulder and upper limb movements, maintains posture, moves the head and neck |
| Innervation | Accessory nerve (CN XI), anterior rami of C3 and C4 spinal nerves |
| Arterial supply | Transverse muscular branches from the occipital artery, superficial cervical artery or its branch, muscular branches of the dorsal scapular artery |
| Attachments | Skull, vertebral column, shoulder girdle, spinous processes of C7-T12, ligamentum nuchae, scapulae, clavicles, ribs |
| Related issues | Pain, limited mobility, muscle weakness, stiffness, swelling, bruising, nerve damage |
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What You'll Learn
The trapezius muscle is triangular and paired
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. When viewed together, this pair forms a diamond or trapezoid shape, explaining its name. The trapezius has many attachment points, extending from the skull and vertebral column to the shoulder girdle. The muscle is involved in movements of the shoulder girdle and is considered a muscle of the upper limb.
The trapezius muscle is the only muscle of the upper limb that does not receive its innervation from the brachial plexus. Instead, motor innervation to the trapezius is conveyed by the accessory nerve (CN XI) and the anterior rami of the C3 and C4 spinal nerves. The arterial supply to the trapezius varies depending on the level of the muscle. The descending (upper) part of the muscle is supplied by transverse muscular branches arising from the occipital artery, which passes along the deep surface of the muscle. The transverse (middle) part of the muscle is supplied by the superficial cervical artery or a branch from the transverse cervical artery. The ascending (lower) part is supplied by muscular branches of the dorsal scapular artery, which arises from the subclavian artery.
The trapezius muscle is composed of long muscle fibres that span a large width of the upper back. It works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. The main function of the trapezius is to stabilise the scapula in its anatomical place and control it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb. The upper fibres of the trapezius elevate the scapulae, the middle fibres retract the scapulae, and the lower fibres depress the scapulae.
The trapezius muscle is one of the commonly affected muscles in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). The lower and middle fibres are affected initially, while the upper fibres are typically spared until the later stages of the disease. Absence of the trapezius has been associated with Poland syndrome and neck pain due to poor scapular control.
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It is a large muscle in the upper back
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle in the upper back. It is made up of two muscles, one on either side of the upper back, and is often referred to as the 'traps' or 'trap muscles'. The trapezius muscle is the most superficial of the extrinsic back muscles and covers several muscles of the intrinsic muscle group.
The muscle is involved in movements of the shoulder girdle and is, therefore, considered a muscle of the upper limb. It is also used for active movements such as side bending, rotation of the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm. The upper trapezius, in particular, is involved in neck injuries and pain referrals to the head. The upper trapezius is the part of the muscle that goes across the tops of the shoulders and can elevate or bring up the shoulder girdle.
The trapezius muscle is also a posture stabilizer, helping to maintain and adjust posture. It is involved in coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. It works in conjunction with several other muscles, including the rhomboids, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, and pectoralis minor.
The trapezius muscle is susceptible to pain from overuse, injuries, and nerve damage. Stress can also cause trapezius muscle pain, as it can lead to unconscious muscle tension in the shoulders, upper back, and neck.
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It helps with posture and movement
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located in the upper back, neck, and thorax. When viewed together, the pair forms a diamond or trapezoid shape, hence its name. The trapezius is a crucial postural muscle, enabling the spinal column to remain erect when standing. It also assists in adjusting and maintaining posture, such as standing up straight or bending the upper back forward.
The trapezius muscle helps with movement, particularly involving the scapula (shoulder blade). It works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements. For example, the trapezius works with the rhomboids to retract and stabilize the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder movement and posture. The trapezius also aids in downward rotation of the scapula, balancing the action of the rhomboids during shoulder movements. This coordination ensures smooth, controlled retraction and elevation, particularly in actions such as rowing or pulling motions.
The trapezius muscle is involved in active movements such as side bending and turning the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm. The upper trapezius, in particular, can elevate the shoulder girdle, extend, tilt, and rotate the neck, bringing the head back, to the side, or turning it to the opposite side. The middle trapezius helps bring the shoulder blades back toward the spine, while the lower trapezius brings the shoulder girdle down.
The trapezius also plays a role in stabilizing the scapula in its anatomical place and controlling it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb. For instance, during shoulder abduction, the deltoid muscle 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. Additionally, the trapezius is involved in throwing actions, working alongside the deltoid and rotator cuff muscles.
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The muscle has three sections
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. Each person has two trapezius muscles, one on either side of the upper back. The muscle gets its name from the shape it forms when viewed together—a diamond or trapezoid. The trapezius is the most superficial of the extrinsic back muscles. It is also an accessory breathing muscle, helping to open up a small amount of breathing room in the upper chest area.
Each trapezius muscle has three sections, namely the upper (superior), middle (transverse), and lower (inferior) sections. The upper section connects to the skull and neck (cervical spine), while the middle and lower sections attach to bones in the thoracic spine, the back (lateral) sides of the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). The upper trapezius is the part that goes across the tops of the shoulders and 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 helps bring the shoulder blades back, toward the spine, which can help prevent or manage excessive kyphotic (rounding of the upper back) posture. The lower trapezius performs the opposite action of the upper trapezius, bringing the shoulder girdle down.
The trapezius muscle has several functions, including stabilizing the scapula and controlling it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb. It is involved in the movements of the head and neck, such as side bending and turning the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm. The trapezius also helps with downward rotation of the scapula and assists in tilting the neck to the same side or extending it backward during activities involving lifting or carrying. In addition, the trapezius plays a role in maintaining posture and moving the upper back, neck, and head.
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It is involved in shoulder and neck movement
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. When viewed together, the pair forms a diamond ortrapezoid shape, hence its name. The trapezius muscles are two large muscles on either side of your upper back. They help you move your head, neck, and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture.
The trapezius muscle is involved in several functions that facilitate shoulder and neck movement. Firstly, it helps with the elevation of the scapula, or shoulder blade, at the scapulothoracic joint. This elevation is crucial for lifting the arm smoothly above shoulder height. The upper trapezius, in particular, can elevate or bring up the shoulder girdle.
Secondly, the trapezius muscle assists in downward rotation of the scapula, working in conjunction with other muscles like the rhomboids and latissimus dorsi. This coordinated effort ensures smooth, controlled retraction and elevation during actions such as rowing or pulling motions.
Thirdly, the trapezius muscle is involved in neck movements such as tilting, turning, and extending the neck. The upper trapezius, in particular, helps extend, tilt, and rotate the neck, allowing the head to move back, to the side, and turn.
Lastly, the trapezius muscle contributes to overall shoulder movement by providing stability to the scapula, or shoulder blade. This stability is crucial for optimal shoulder joint function and enables repetitive movements of the hand over the head. The trapezius works with other muscles like the serratus anterior and pectoralis minor to maintain the position and stability of the scapula.
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Frequently asked questions
The trapezius muscle is located in the upper back, extending from the skull to the middle of the back.
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle that forms a diamond or trapezoid shape when viewed as a pair.
The trapezius muscle helps with posture, shoulder and arm movement, and neck movement. It also assists in breathing by opening up the upper chest area.
Trapezius muscle pain can be relieved through ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and stretching. Massage therapy and dry needling, a form of acupuncture, may also help.
