Upper Trapezius

Musculus trapezius (pars descendens)

Upper Body NeckTrapeziusShouldersBackPosterior Chain

The descending fibers of the trapezius span the skull and cervical spine to the lateral clavicle, elevating and upwardly rotating the scapula and extending the neck. This is the headline neck/shoulder mass muscle for lifters, built directly with shrugs, deadlift holds, farmer’s carries, and rack pulls, and it co-stabilizes the cervical spine during heavy pulling.

Actions

Scapular elevation, Upward rotation of the scapula, Cervical/head extension (bilateral), Contralateral cervical rotation and ipsilateral lateral flexion (unilateral)

Origin

Medial third of the superior nuchal line, external occipital protuberance, nuchal ligament, and spinous process of C7.

Insertion

Posterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle.

Innervation

Motor: accessory nerve (CN XI); proprioception: anterior rami of C3-C4.

Blood supply

Transverse cervical artery (superficial branch) and occipital artery.

Wikipedia ↗

necktrapsshouldersshrugextension