Trapezius: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:13, 28 March 2025

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The Trapezius 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.

Anatomy[edit]

The trapezius has three functional regions: the superior region (descending part), which supports the weight of the arm; the intermediate region (transverse part), which retracts the scapula; and the inferior region (ascending part), which medially rotates and depresses the scapula.

Origin and insertion[edit]

The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word "spinotrapezius" refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts. In other mammals, it refers to a portion of the analogous muscle.

Function[edit]

The trapezius has several functions: the upper part of the muscle can be used to shrug the shoulders. When the entire muscle is active, it can pull the head backwards or to the side. If lower fibers are active, they can draw the shoulder blades together. The upper and lower fibers can work together to draw the head straight back.

Clinical significance[edit]

The trapezius muscle can be a source of headache due to the tension in the fibers of the muscle. It can be relieved with techniques that include physical therapy, massage, biofeedback, and other relaxation exercises.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Large superficial muscle of the back}}
+[[File:Back Muscles.jpg|Back Muscles|thumb]]]]
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+The '''Trapezius''' 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.
-==Trapezius==
+== Anatomy ==
-The '''trapezius''' 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. Its functions are to move the scapulae and support the arm.
-[[File:Trapezius.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the trapezius muscle]]
+The trapezius has three functional regions: the superior region (descending part), which supports the weight of the arm; the intermediate region (transverse part), which retracts the scapula; and the inferior region (ascending part), which medially rotates and depresses the scapula.
-==Anatomy==
+=== Origin and insertion ===
-The trapezius muscle is divided into three parts: the superior, middle, and inferior fibers. Each part has distinct functions and attachments.
-===Superior fibers===
+The trapezius muscle resembles a trapezium (trapezoid in American English), or diamond-shaped quadrilateral. The word "spinotrapezius" refers to the human trapezius, although it is not commonly used in modern texts. In other mammals, it refers to a portion of the analogous muscle.
-The superior fibers originate from the occipital bone, the ligamentum nuchae, and the spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae. They insert into the lateral third of the clavicle. These fibers are responsible for elevating the scapula, as in shrugging the shoulders.
-===Middle fibers===
+== Function ==
-The middle fibers arise from the spinous processes of the first to the fourth thoracic vertebrae. They insert into the acromion and the spine of the scapula. Their primary function is to retract the scapula.
-===Inferior fibers===
+The trapezius has several functions: the upper part of the muscle can be used to shrug the shoulders. When the entire muscle is active, it can pull the head backwards or to the side. If lower fibers are active, they can draw the shoulder blades together. The upper and lower fibers can work together to draw the head straight back.
-The inferior fibers originate from the spinous processes of the fifth to the twelfth thoracic vertebrae. They insert into the spine of the scapula. These fibers depress the scapula and lower the shoulder.
-[[File:Trapezius_Gray409.PNG|thumb|right|Gray's anatomy illustration of the trapezius]]
+== Clinical significance ==
-==Function==
+The trapezius muscle can be a source of headache due to the tension in the fibers of the muscle. It can be relieved with techniques that include physical therapy, massage, biofeedback, and other relaxation exercises.
-The trapezius muscle is involved in various movements of the shoulder girdle. It stabilizes the scapula, allowing for a wide range of arm movements. The muscle also plays a role in extending the neck and head.
-==Innervation==
+== See also ==
-The trapezius is innervated by the [[accessory nerve]] (cranial nerve XI) and receives proprioceptive fibers from the cervical plexus (C3 and C4).
-==Blood supply==
+* [[List of muscles of the human body]]
-The blood supply to the trapezius muscle is provided by the transverse cervical artery, a branch of the thyrocervical trunk.
-[[File:Trapezius_animation_small2.gif|thumb|right|Animation showing the trapezius muscle]]
-==Clinical significance==
-Injury or dysfunction of the trapezius muscle can lead to pain and limited movement in the shoulder and neck. Common issues include muscle strain, tension, and spasms, often resulting from poor posture or overuse.
-==Related pages==
 * [[Scapula]]
-* [[Accessory nerve]]
+* [[Occipital bone]]
-* [[Muscle]]
+* [[Thoracic vertebrae]]
-==References==
+[[Category:Muscles of the upper limb]]
-* Standring, S. (2016). ''Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice''. 41st edition. Elsevier.
+[[Category:Muscles of the back]]
-* Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy''. 7th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
+{{stub}}
-[[Category:Muscles of the upper limb]]
-[[Category:Muscles of the torso]]
-<gallery>
-File:Trapezius.png|Trapezius
-File:Trapezius_Gray409.PNG|Trapezius muscle anatomy
-File:Trapezius_animation_small2.gif|Trapezius muscle animation
-File:Muscle_trapèze.png|Trapezius muscle
-File:Gray129.png|Trapezius muscle in the human body
-File:Gray200.png|Trapezius muscle and surrounding anatomy
-File:Gray203.png|Trapezius muscle and shoulder anatomy
-</gallery>