Levator Scapulae Muscle

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

The levator scapulae muscle is a shoulder muscle on the side of the neck and upper back. It belongs to the posterior axioappendicular muscles.

image descriptionLevator Scapulae Muscle

Posterior view labeled: Trapezius, deltoid, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, infraspinatus, supraspinatus
Posterior view labeled: Teres Major and minor
Posterior view labeled: Rhomboideous minor and major
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae
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image descriptionAttachments of Levator Scapulae: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments)
a. Transverse processes of the C1-C4 vertebrae.

Insertion: (distal attachments)
a. Medial border of the scapula between spine and superior angle.

Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae
Origin and Insertion of Levator Scapulae
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Actions on the shoulder (scapula):

a. image descriptionElevates medial border of the scapula while downwardly rotating lateral angle.

b. Helps trapezius and rhomboid muscles image descriptionpull scapula upward and medially.

image descriptionc. Bends neck laterally.

Innervation of Levator Scapulae Muscle:

  • Dorsal scapular nerve (C5) and ventral primary rami of C3 and C4.

Learn the attachments, innervations and functions of the levator scapulae even faster with this trunk wall muscle anatomy reference chart. 

An Overview of the Levator Scapulae Muscle

Posterior view labeled: Teres major and minor, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, deltoid
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae, teres major and minor, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, deltoid
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae, supraspinatus, teres major and minor, triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae, infraspinatus, teres major, latissimus dorsi and triceps brachii
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor and major, teres minor and major, latissimus dorsi, and triceps brachii
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor and major and teres minor and major, and latissimus dorsi
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor and major and teres minor and major
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor and major and teres minor
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor and major
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae and rhomboideus minor
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Levator scapulae
Posterior view of levator scapulae labeled: Origin and insertion
Test yourself while observing the levator scapulae muscle anatomy
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