Trapezius

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Trapezius

Trapezius (/trəˈpiːziəs/ trə-PEE-zee-əs) is a large superficial muscle that extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae and laterally to the spine of the scapula (shoulder blade). Its functions are to move, rotate, and stabilize the scapula.

Etymology

The term "trapezius" was derived from the Greek word "trapezion" which means "a small table", from "trapeza" meaning "table", itself from "tra-," "four" and "peza", "a foot, an end". The muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral.

Anatomy

The trapezius has three functional parts: an upper (descending) part which supports the weight of the arm; a middle region (transverse), which retracts the scapula; and a lower (ascending) part which medially rotates and depresses the scapula.

Related Terms

  • Scapula: Also known as shoulder blade, it is the bone that connects the humerus (upper arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone).
  • Occipital bone: A cranial dermal bone, and the main bone of the back and lower part of the skull.
  • Thoracic vertebrae: The twelve vertebral bodies in the spine that correspond to the chest area.
  • Superficial muscle: A muscle that is close to the surface of the skin.

External links

Esculaap.svg

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