Maximus Gage
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back, which starts at the back of the head and neck, extends across the shoulders, and down the middle of the back, forming a trapezoid. The right and left trapezius muscles together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Upper back, neck and upper part of the thorax or chest |
| Shape | Trapezoid or trapezium |
| Function | Support of the shoulders and limbs, rotation of the scapula, movement of the head, neck and upper back, and posture |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The trapezius muscle is in the upper back
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back. It starts at the back of your head and neck, extends across your shoulders, and down the middle of your back, forming a trapezoid. It is also known as the 'traps'.
The trapezius muscles play an important role in posture. They move the shoulders, lift arms out to the side, and protect the neck and spine. You use them when you shrug or pull your shoulders back.
The right and left trapezius muscles together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure. They originate at the occipital bone at the base of the skull, the ligaments on either side of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae, and the seventh cervical and all thoracic vertebrae. They are inserted on the posterior of the clavicle (collarbone) and on the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade).
The trapezius muscles have three sections: superior, middle, and inferior. Each section plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
Exploring the Intricacies of Our Many Facial Muscles
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It starts at the back of the head and neck
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in your upper back. It starts at the back of your head and neck, extending across your shoulders and down the middle of your back, forming a trapezoid. The right and left trapezius muscles together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure. The trapezius muscles originate at the occipital bone at the base of the skull, the ligaments on either side of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae, and the seventh cervical and all thoracic vertebrae. They are inserted on the posterior of the clavicle (collarbone) and on the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade).
The trapezius muscles play an important role in posture, helping to stabilise the shoulders and enabling the neck to move. They move the shoulders, lift arms out to the side, and protect the neck and spine. You use them when you shrug or pull your shoulders back. Each trapezius muscle has three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segment, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
Muscle Breakdown: What, Why, and How?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It extends across the shoulders
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back. It starts at the back of the head and neck, extends across the shoulders, and down the middle of the back, forming a trapezoid. The right and left trapezius muscles together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure.
The trapezius muscle is also known as the 'traps' muscle. It is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the thoracic spine in the middle of the back. It has three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segment. Each section plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders.
The trapezius muscles help to stabilise the shoulders and enable the neck to move. They also help to maintain and adjust posture. Each trapezius muscle has three sections and they run from the base of the neck down to the middle of the back.
The chief action of the trapezius muscle is to support the shoulders and limbs and rotate the scapula, which is necessary to raise the arms above shoulder level.
Building Muscle: How Many Muscles Can You Grow?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It runs down the middle of the back
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in your back. It starts at the back of your head and neck, extends across your shoulders, and runs down the middle of your back, forming a trapezoid. Also known as traps, the trapezius muscles play an important role in posture. They move the shoulders, lift arms out to the side, and protect the neck and spine. You use them when you shrug or pull your shoulders back.
The trapezius muscle is a large, superficial muscle at the back of the neck and the upper part of the thorax, or chest. The right and left trapezius together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure. It originates at the occipital bone at the base of the skull, the ligaments on either side of the seven cervical (neck) vertebrae (ligamentum nuchae), and the seventh cervical and all thoracic vertebrae. It is inserted on the posterior of the clavicle (collarbone) and on the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade). Its chief action is support of the shoulders and limbs and rotation of the scapula necessary to raise the arms above shoulder level.
The trapezius muscle is large and triangular, extending to the width of the shoulders and running from the skull to the thoracic spine, in the middle of the back. It has three sections, the superior, middle, and inferior segment, and each plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders. The trapezius muscles are two big muscles on either side of your upper back. They help you move your head, neck and upper back, and maintain and adjust your posture.
Building Muscle Memory: Repetitions for Optimal Results
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It helps to maintain and adjust posture
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in the upper back, which starts at the back of the head and neck, extends across the shoulders, and down the middle of the back, forming a trapezoid. The right and left trapezius muscles together form a trapezium, an irregular four-sided figure.
The trapezius muscles play an important role in maintaining and adjusting posture. They help to move the shoulders, lift the arms out to the side, and protect the neck and spine. You use them when you shrug or pull your shoulders back. They also help to stabilise the shoulders and enable the neck to move.
The trapezius muscles have three sections: the superior, middle, and inferior segments. Each section plays a role in specific movements of the neck and shoulders. For example, the superior segment helps to lift the arm above shoulder level, while the middle segment helps to stabilise the shoulder blade. The inferior segment helps to move the shoulder blade down and back.
Certain stretches can help to ease pain and keep movement flexible in the trapezius muscles. Overuse, injuries, and nerve damage are the most common causes of trapezius muscle pain.
Muscles' Names: Function, Form, and Fitness
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The trapezius muscle is a large muscle in your upper back.
The trapezius muscle helps you maintain your posture and move your upper back, neck and head.
The trapezius muscle is triangular and runs from the skull to the middle of the back.
![2 Pack Stretching Exercises and Muscular System Anatomy Poster Set - Laminated 2 Chart Set - Stretching Workout Routine & Muscle Anatomy Diagram [DARK] (LAMINATED, 18” x 24”)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91tzg89R2GS._AC_UL320_.jpg)
