Trapezius Muscle

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

image descriptionTrapezius Muscle

Posterior view labeled: Trapezius, deltoid, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapular, supraspinatus, infraspinatus
Posterior view labeled: Teres minor and major
Posterior view labeled: Rhomboideus minor and major
Posterior view labeled: Trapezius muscle
1
2
3
4
5

image descriptionAttachments of Trapezius Muscle: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments)
a. Medial superior nuchal line and external protuberance of occipital bone, ligamentum nuchae and spinous process of C7-T12.

Insertion: (distal attachments)
a. Lateral clavicle, acromion and spine of scapula.

Learn the anatomy of the trapezius muscle faster with this trunk wall muscle reference chart.

Posterior view labeled: Trapezius muscle
Posterior view labeled: Origin and Insertion
1
2

Actions on the shoulder (scapula):

a. Upper fibers image descriptionelevate scapula.

b. Upper fibers image descriptionupwardly rotate scapula.

c. image descriptionExtend neck.

d. Middle fibers image descriptionadduct (retract) scapula.

e. Lower fibers scapula.

f. Lower fibers help upper fibers image descriptionupwardly scapula.

Innervation of Trapezius Muscle:

  • C3, C4 and accessory cranial nerve (XI).

An Overview of the Trapezius Muscle

Posterior view labeled: Trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, supraspinatus, teres major and minor, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, infraspinatus, teres major, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, rhomboideus major and minor, teres major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, rhomboideus minor and major, teres major, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, rhomboideus minor and major, teres major
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, rhomboideus minor and major, teres minor
Posterior view labeled: Trapezius, rhomboideus minor and major, teres major, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Rhomdoideus minor and major
Posterior view labeled: Rhomdoideus minor
Posterior view labeled: Trapezius
Posterior view labeled: Insertion and origin
Posterior view labeled: Trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii
Posterior view labeled: Levator scapulae, trapezius, deltoid, teres minor and major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii
Test yourself while observing the trapezius muscle anatomy
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Related Articles
Featured image showing three images of the posterior back and arm with trees minor and origin and insertion of teres minor.
Teres Minor Muscle – Attachments, Actions & Innervation

Teres minor is one of four muscles that comprise what’s called the Rotator Cuff. It’s narrow and elongated in shape and sometimes may be fused with infraspinatus. Its main function is to stabilize the humerus in the glenoid fossa when the shoulder moves.
Posterior view of the thorax and upper limb showing the origin and insertion of the teres major muscle
Teres Major Muscle – Attachments, Action & Innervation

Teres major is a thick and ovoid muscle in the upper arm. Despite their similar names, Teres major has different actions and innervation from the Teres minor. It’s mainly responsible for the medial rotation of the arm and it also contributes to static posture and arm-swinging.
Feature image showing three images of the posterior back and arm with supraspinatus and supraspinatus origin and insertion.
Supraspinatus Muscle – Attachments, Actions & Innervation

Supraspinatus is a small muscle of the upper arm. It’s one of the four muscles that make up the rotator cuff. It arises from the supraspinatus fossa to eventually inserts on the greater tubercle of the humerus.