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The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle in the upper back, extending from the back of the neck and head, across the shoulders, and down the middle of the back. The muscle is involved in posture and movement, including the rotation of the head and neck, elevation of the shoulders, and scapular translation and rotation. The trapezius is susceptible to pain and injury from overuse, nerve damage, and stress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of muscles | 2 |
| Muscle shape | Triangular, broad, and thin |
| Muscle size | Large |
| Muscle type | Superficial |
| Muscle function | Controls movement of the shoulder, neck, and head; stabilises the scapula |
| Muscle location | Upper back, neck, and thorax |
| Muscle composition | Long muscle fibres |
| Muscle groups | Upper, middle, and lower |
| Muscle issues | Overuse, injuries, nerve damage, and poor posture |
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What You'll Learn
The trapezius is a large, triangular, paired muscle
When viewed together, the pair of trapezius muscles forms a diamond or trapezoid shape, resembling a kite, hence the name. The trapezius has many attachment points, extending from the skull and vertebral column to the shoulder girdle. The muscle has 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 external occipital protuberance of the occipital bone, and the nuchal ligament. The trapezius is the most superficial of the extrinsic back muscles and belongs to the same category as the latissimus dorsi, rhomboid major and minor, and levator scapulae muscles.
The trapezius muscle is involved in movements of the shoulder girdle and is considered a muscle of the upper limb rather than of the back. The main function of the trapezius is to stabilise the scapula and control it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb. The upper fibres of the trapezius elevate the scapulae, while the middle fibres retract the scapulae, and the lower fibres depress the scapulae. The muscle is also involved in the movement of the head and neck. For example, when the trapezius muscle is acting unilaterally, the descending fibres produce an ipsilateral lateral flexion of the head and neck by acting on the atlanto-occipital joint and upper cervical vertebrae, respectively.
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It is located on the back of the neck and thorax
The trapezius muscle is located on the back of the neck and thorax. It is a large, triangular, paired muscle that forms a diamond or trapezoid shape when viewed together. This muscle plays a crucial role in maintaining posture and moving the head, neck, and upper back. It is composed of long muscle fibres that span a large width across the upper back, enabling it to assist in postural attributes and spinal support.
The trapezius has multiple attachment points, including the skull, vertebral column, and shoulder girdle. It belongs to the group of superficial extrinsic back muscles and covers other muscles such as the rhomboids and levator scapulae. The trapezius is involved in movements of the shoulder girdle and is considered a muscle of the upper limb rather than the back. Its main function is to stabilize and control the scapula during shoulder movements.
The trapezius muscle has three sections: upper, middle, and lower. The upper fibres elevate and rotate the scapula, while the middle fibres adduct and retract the scapula. The lower fibres depress the scapula and assist the upper fibres in upward rotation. These movements allow for smooth and coordinated neck and shoulder motions, such as lifting or carrying.
The trapezius muscle is susceptible to injuries and nerve damage, which can cause pain and limited mobility. Stress can also affect the trapezius, leading to unconscious muscle tension in the shoulders, upper back, and neck. To maintain muscle health, it is important to stay active and flexible through exercises such as yoga and pilates.
Overall, the trapezius muscle's location on the back of the neck and thorax contributes to its essential role in posture, spinal support, and upper body movement.
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It helps with posture and movement
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular 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. They are part of the musculoskeletal system and are skeletal muscles.
The trapezius muscle helps with posture and movement. It moves the shoulders, lifts the arms out to the side, and protects the neck and spine. 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 rotation function takes the head to the opposite side of the neck and shoulder muscle. The trapezius muscle also helps with neck injuries and headaches.
The trapezius muscle is also involved in the movement of the head and neck. It helps with side bending and turning the head, elevating and depressing the shoulders, and internally rotating the arm. The upper trapezius is frequently involved in neck injuries and has a clear pain referral pattern to the head.
The trapezius muscle works in conjunction with several other muscles to produce coordinated movements, primarily involving the scapula. Some key muscle pairings include the rhomboids, levator scapulae, serratus anterior, deltoid, pectoralis minor, and supraspinatus. These muscles work closely with the trapezius to retract, stabilize, and rotate the scapula, playing a key role in shoulder movement and posture.
To avoid problems with the trapezius muscle, it is important to exercise and stay flexible. Shoulder stretches and trap exercises can improve the range of motion, strengthen muscles, and relax tight muscles. Yoga, Pilates, and other gentle exercises can help keep the trapezius muscle strong and flexible.
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It is the only muscle of the upper limb that does not receive its innervation from the brachial plexus
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 or trapezoid shape, hence its name. The trapezius is the most superficial of the extrinsic back muscles. It helps maintain posture and move the upper back, neck, and head. It also stabilises the scapula in its anatomical place and controls it during movements of the shoulder and upper limb.
The trapezius is the only muscle of the upper limb that does not receive its innervation from the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a major network of nerves that transmits signals responsible for motor and sensory innervation of the upper extremities, including the shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. It originates from the ventral rami of C5 through T1 spinal nerves. The musculocutaneous nerve, for instance, arises from C5 and C6 spinal nerves and innervates all the muscles of the arm anteriorly, enabling motor functions such as flexion of the elbow and supination by the biceps brachii.
Instead, motor innervation to the trapezius is conveyed by the accessory nerve (CN XI), as well as the anterior rami of the C3 and C4 spinal nerves, which also contain proprioceptive/sensory fibres from the muscle. 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 trapezius overlies the remaining muscles of its group, namely the rhomboids and levator scapulae. It also covers several muscles of the superficial layer of the intrinsic muscle group, such as the splenius capitis, splenius cervicis, spinalis, longissimus, and iliocostalis muscles. The upper part of the trapezius also overlies the suboccipital region.
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It has three sections: upper, middle and lower
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular, paired muscle located on the posterior aspect of the neck and thorax. It has three sections: upper, middle and lower.
The upper trapezius has a clear pain referral pattern to the head and is frequently involved in neck injuries. The descending (upper) fibres act with the levator scapulae muscle to produce an elevation of the scapula at the scapulothoracic joint. The upper fibres can elevate and upwardly rotate the scapula and extend the neck. The descending (upper) part of the muscle is supplied by transverse muscular branches arising from the occipital artery (a branch of the external carotid), which passes along the deep surface of the muscle.
The transverse (middle) part of the trapezius is composed of middle fibres. The middle fibres adduct (medially retract) the scapula. The transverse (middle) part of the muscle is supplied by the superficial cervical artery, or by a branch from the transverse cervical artery.
The ascending (lower) part of the trapezius is composed of inferior fibres. The lower fibres depress and aid the upper fibres in upwardly rotating the scapula. The lower fibres are responsible for the depression of the medial part of the scapula, and thus lowering the shoulder. The ascending (lower) part is supplied by muscular branches of the dorsal scapular artery, which arises from the subclavian artery.
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 spinal accessory nerve (CN XI).
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Frequently asked questions
The trapezius muscle is a large, triangular muscle located in the upper back. It starts at the back of the neck and extends down the middle of the back, forming a trapezoid.
The trapezius muscle helps to maintain posture and move the upper back, neck, and head. It also assists in lifting the arms out to the side and protecting the neck and spine.
Common issues with the trapezius muscle include pain, limited movement, and neck stiffness. These issues can be caused by overuse, injuries, nerve damage, or stress.
To keep your trapezius muscle healthy, it is important to exercise and stay flexible. Yoga, Pilates, and other gentle exercises can help strengthen and stretch the muscle.
Pain in the trapezius muscle can be a sign of overuse, injury, or nerve damage. It is important to rest and allow the muscle to recover. If the pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
