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Trapezius
Trapezius.
Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column. Trapezius is labeled at upper left.
Latin	musculus trapezius
Gray's	subject #121 432
Origin	arises, down the midline, from the external occipital protuberance, the nuchal ligament, the medial part of the superior nuchal line, and the spinous processes of the vertebrae C7-T12
Insertion	at the shoulders, into the lateral third of the clavicle, the acromion process, and into the spine of the scapula
Artery:	transverse cervical artery [1]
Nerve:	major nerve supply is the cranial nerve XI. Cervical nerves C3 and C4 receive information about pain in this muscle
Action:	retraction of scapula
Antagonist:	Serratus anterior muscle, Latissimus Dorsi
Dorlands /Elsevier	m_22/12551283

In human anatomy, the trapezius is a large superficial muscle which extends longitudinally from the occipital bone to the lower thoracic vertebrae, and laterally to the spine of the scapula. The trapezius has 3 functional regions: The superior region (descending part) supports the weight of the upper limb. The intermediate region (transverse part) retracts the scapulae. The inferior region (ascending part)medially rotates and depresses the scapulae. The Trapezius muscles are a set of muscles found in cats. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... For other uses, see Latins and Latin (disambiguation). ... A typical adult human skeleton consists of the following 206 bones depending on age, though this number does vary owing to a variety of anatomical variations; for example, a small portion of the human population have an extra rib, or an extra lumbar vertebra. ... The inion is the most prominent projection of the occipital bone at the lower rear part of the skull. ... The Nuchal ligament is a fibrous membrane, which, in the neck, represents the supraspinal ligaments of the lower vertebræ. It extends from the external occipital protuberance and median nuchal line to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. ... The nuchal lines are four curved lines on the external surface of the occipital bone: The upper, often faintly marked, is named the highest nuchal line, and to it the galea aponeurotica is attached. ... A diagram of a thoracic vertebra. ... A diagram of a thoracic vertebra. ... A typical adult human skeleton consists of the following 206 bones depending on age, though this number does vary owing to a variety of anatomical variations; for example, a small portion of the human population have an extra rib, or an extra lumbar vertebra. ... Collarbone and collar bone redirect here. ... The acromion process, or simply the acromion, is an anatomical feature on the scapula. ... The spine of the scapula is a prominent plate of bone, which crosses obliquely the medial four-fifths of the dorsal surface of the scapula at its upper part, and separates the supra- from the infraspinatous fossa. ... For other uses, see Artery (disambiguation). ... The transverse cervical artery (transverse artery of neck, transversalis colli artery) is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk, running at a higher level than the suprascapular artery; it passes transversely above the inferior belly of the omohyoid muscle to the anterior margin of the trapezius, beneath which it divides into... List of human nerves External links List of nerves This is an incomplete list, which may never be able to satisfy certain standards for completeness. ... In anatomy, the accessory nerve is a nerve that controls specific muscles of the neck. ... In anatomy, cervical is an adjective that has two meanings: of or pertaining to the neck. ... For other uses, see Nerve (disambiguation). ... Look up kinesiology in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Retraction is the anatomical term of motion for posterior movement of the arms at the shoulders. ... Left scapula - front view () Left scapula - rear view () In anatomy, the scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). ... An antagonist is a kind of muscle that acts in opposition to the movement generated by the agonist and is responsible for returning a limb to its initial position. ... Serratus anterior Serratus anterior muscle is the surface of upper 9 ribs at side of chest - anterior aspect along entire length of medial border of scapula - (protraction) draws medial border of scapula away from vertebrae (upward rotation). ... Latissimus dorsi is a large flat muscle located on the back. ... Elseviers logo. ... List of bones of the human skeleton Human anatomy is primarily the scientific study of the morphology of the adult human body. ... Look up Superficial in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... For other uses of Muscles, see Muscles (disambiguation). ...

[1]. It is innervated by the accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve 11) and the ventral rami of cervical vertebrae 3 and 4, which also supplies the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In anatomy, the accessory nerve is a nerve that controls specific muscles of the neck. ... In vertebrates, cervical vertebrae (singular: vertebra) are those vertebrae immediately behind (caudal to) the skull. ... In human anatomy, the sternocleidomastoid muscles are muscles in the neck that acts to flex and rotate the head. ...

The two trapezius muscles together resemble a trapezium, or diamond-shaped quadrangle; the 4 points of the diamond are: the head (at the occipital protuberance), the two shoulders, and the middle of the back (at the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra, T12). The word trapezium has several meanings: A trapezium refers to either of two geometric figures. ... quadrangle is a good name for a mathlete team. ... Occipital protuberance can refer to: internal occipital protuberance external occipital protuberance Category: ... A diagram of a thoracic vertebra. ... A typical thoracic vertebra The thoracic vertebrae (vertebrae thoracales) compose the middle segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. ...

Actions

Because the fibers run in different directions, it has a variety of actions, including:

• scapular elevation(shrugging up or lifting the shoulders)
• scapular retraction (drawing the shoulder blades toward the midline)
• scapular depression (pulling the shoulder blades down)

Etymology

Trapezius gets its name from its trapezium-like shape when looking at both muscles at once: the corners being the neck, the two shoulders, and the thoracic vertebra, T12. Other uses: Quadrilateral (disambiguation) In geometry, a quadrilateral is a polygon with four sides and four vertices. ... For other uses, see Neck (disambiguation). ... This article is about the body part. ... A diagram of a thoracic vertebra. ...

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. See trapezius muscles (cat) for more details. The Trapezius muscles are a set of muscles found in cats. ...

Origin and insertion

It arises from the external occipital protuberance and the medial third of the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone, from the ligamentum nuchae, the spinous process of the seventh cervical, and the spinous processes of all the thoracic vertebræ, and from the corresponding portion of the supraspinal ligament. The inion is the most prominent projection of the occipital bone at the lower rear part of the skull. ... The nuchal lines are four curved lines on the external surface of the occipital bone: The upper, often faintly marked, is named the highest nuchal line, and to it the galea aponeurotica is attached. ... The occipital bone, a saucer-shaped membrane bone situated at the back and lower part of the cranium, is trapezoid in shape and curved on itself. ... The Nuchal ligament is a fibrous membrane, which, in the neck, represents the supraspinal ligaments of the lower vertebræ. It extends from the external occipital protuberance and median nuchal line to the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra. ... A diagram of a thoracic vertebra. ... The thoracic vertebrae compose the middle segment of the vertebral column, between the cervical vertebrae and the lumbar vertebrae. ... The supraspinal ligament (supraspinous ligament) is a strong fibrous cord, which connects together the apices of the spinous processes from the seventh cervical vertebra to the sacrum; at the points of attachment to the tips of the spinous processes fibrocartilage is developed in the ligament. ...

From this origin:

• the superior fibers proceed downward and laterally. They are inserted into the posterior border of the lateral third of the clavicle.
• the inferior fibers proceed upward and lateralward. They converge near the scapula, and end in an aponeurosis, which glides over the smooth triangular surface on the medial end of the spine, to be inserted into a tubercle at the apex of this smooth triangular surface.
• the middle fibers proceed horizontally. They are inserted into the medial margin of the acromion, and into the superior lip of the posterior border of the spine of the scapula.

At its occipital origin, the Trapezius is connected to the bone by a thin fibrous lamina, firmly adherent to the skin. Collarbone and collar bone redirect here. ... Left scapula - front view () Left scapula - rear view () In anatomy, the scapula, or shoulder blade, is the bone that connects the humerus (arm bone) with the clavicle (collar bone). ... Aponeurosis is the singular of Aponeuroses Grays Anatomy states that Aponeuroses are flattened or ribbon-shaped tendons, of a pearly white color, iridescent, glistening, and similar in structure to the tendons. ... The acromion process, or simply the acromion, is an anatomical feature on the scapula. ... The spine of the scapula is a prominent plate of bone, which crosses obliquely the medial four-fifths of the dorsal surface of the scapula at its upper part, and separates the supra- from the infraspinatous fossa. ...

At the middle it is connected to the spinous processes by a broad semi-elliptical aponeurosis, which reaches from the sixth cervical to the third thoracic vertebræ, and forms, with that of the opposite muscle, a tendinous ellipse.

The rest of the muscle arises by numerous short tendinous fibers.

Innervation

The accessory nerve supplies motor fibres to the trapezius muscle (the accessory nerve being purely motor). Sensation including pain and proprioception travel via C3 and C4 ventral rami. The trapezius is not innervated by dorsal rami despite being placed superficially in the back, since it is a muscle of the upper limb.

Variations

The attachments to the dorsal vertebrae are often reduced and the lower ones are often wanting; the occipital attachment is often wanting; separation between cervical and dorsal portions is frequent.

Extensive deficiencies and complete absence occur.

The clavicular insertion of this muscle varies in extent; it sometimes reaches as far as the middle of the clavicle, and occasionally may blend with the posterior edge of the Sternocleidomastoideus, or overlap it. In human anatomy, the sternocleidomastoid muscles are muscles in the neck that act to flex and rotate the head. ...

Fascial plane

There is an investing deep fascia that encircles the neck, deep to the superficial fascia. This deep fascia contains the trapezius of both sides, as well as the sternocleidomastoid of both sides. All four muscles are supplied by the accessory nerve. The superficial and deep epimysia of the trapezius muscles are continuous with this investing fascia. Fascia, pronounced , is specialized connective tissue layer which surrounds muscles, bones, and joints, providing support, protection and giving structure to the body. ... In human anatomy, the sternocleidomastoid muscles are muscles in the neck that acts to flex and rotate the head. ...

Exercise

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The upper portion of the trapezius can be developed by elevating the shoulders. Common exercises for this movement are shoulder shrugs and upright rows. Middle fibers are developed by pulling shoulder blades together. Best exercises for this movement are rowing exercises and deadlifts. The lower part can be developed by drawing the shoulder blades downward while keeping the arms almost straight and stiff. This can be done in a pull-down station for example. Wikibooks logo Wikibooks, previously called Wikimedia Free Textbook Project and Wikimedia-Textbooks, is a wiki for the creation of books. ... The shoulder shrug is an exercise in weight training. ... Also called High Pull. ... In strength training, rowing (or a row, usually preceded by a qualifying adjective — for instance a seated row) is a form of muscular resistance training exercise that shares many characteristics of rowing a boat without involving water or a boat. ... Deadlift The deadlift is a weight training exercise where one lifts a loaded barbell (or, in the case of the trapbar deadlift, a loaded trapbar) off the ground from a stabilized bent-over position. ...

A person can feel the muscles of the superior trapezius become active by holding a weight in front of them in one hand, and with the other, touching the area between the shoulder and the neck. It is common for non-experienced gym users to focus mostly to the upper portion of the muscle, and thus forgetting the important middle part and creating muscle imbalances which can heavily affect posture and compromise shoulder health. While not moving, a human can be in one of the following main positions. ...

Barbell Shrug

• Hold a barbell with both hands in front of you with your hands a little wider than shoulder width apart. Keep your feet at shoulder width. Stand straight up with the bar hanging at arms length. Droop shoulders down as much as possible to start. Raise your shoulders up as far as you can go. You can also rotate your shoulders as you go up, going in a semicircular motion from front to rear. Then slowly return to the starting position. Can also be done with dumbbells.

Barbell Shrug Behind The Back

• Hold a barbell behind your back with your palms facing backwards. "Shrug" your shoulders upward as high as you can and squeeze it for a second. Then lower the bar all the way down as far as you can. To get the barbell into position, you can rest it on a power rack or bench and then pick it up from there. You can also do these with dumbbells.

Cable Shrugs

• Grasp cable bar that is attached to the low pulley with a shoulder width or slightly wider overhand grip. Stand close to pulley. Elevate shoulders as high as possible. Lower and repeat.

-Machine Shoulder Shrug

• This is a great way to work your traps and avoid having to hold dumbbells or barbells, which can be hard on your arms or wrists. Position yourself on the calf machine so that the shoulder pads are above your shoulders. Put your hands on your hips. Raise your shoulders up towards your ears and hold it for a full second. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat. You can change your shoulder position (bending over a little) to hit the traps from different angles.

Dumbbell Incline Shoulder Raise

• Preparation:

Sit down on an incline bench with the dumbbells resting on your lower thigh. Kick the weights to your shoulders and lean back. Position the dumbbells above your shoulders with your elbows extended.

• Execution

Raise your shoulders toward the dumbbells as high as possible. Lower shoulders to bench and repeat.

Dumbbell Shrug

• Stand straight up with your feet at shoulder width. Hold two dumbbells with your arms hanging at your sides. Droop shoulders down as far as possible. Raise shoulders up as far as you can go. Then slowly return to the starting position. You can also rotate your shoulders by going up in a circular motion from front to rear and then back down. Can also be done holding a barbell instead.

Low Pulley Row To Neck

• This is like a seated row but you use a rope handle and pull to your neck. Sit at a seated row station and grab the ends of the rope using a palms down grip. Sit with your knees slightly bent and your back straight. Your back should be almost completely vertical... do not lean back! Keeping your back in the same vertical position, pull the rope back and up to neck height. Your elbows should be out, away from your sides. Return slowly to the starting position. Ths targeted muscles are Biceps, Middle Back, Shoulders.

Smith Machine Shrug
A Smith machine can be used for the squat. ...

• Stand grasping Smith bar with shoulder width or slightly wider overhand grip. Disengage bar from the rack. Elevate shoulders as high as possible. Lower and repeat.

Smith Machine Upright Row

• Same as the Upright Barbell Row but with a Smith Machine. The targeted muscles are Traps, Biceps, Shoulders.

Snatch Hang High Pull

• These are just like the Power Clean except that you start from a hanging position and you do not catch it at the top. Check out the Power Clean for more info. The targeted muscles Traps, Worked: Biceps, Lower Back, Forearms, Hamstrings, Calves, Abdominals, Shoulders.

Standing Dumbbell Upright Row

• Hold dumbbells, hanging, against your upper thighs. Keep dumbbells about 10 inches apart, thumbs facing in. Pull dumbbells straight up until nearly even with your chin. Keep your elbows up and out! Keep weights close to your body and slowly return to the starting position. Can also be done with a cable or barbell. The targeted muscles are Traps, Biceps, Shoulders, and also surrounding muscles.

Upright Barbell Row

• Standing upright, grasp a barbell with your hands about shoulder width apart. Let the bar hang straight down in front of you. Keep your body and wrists straight. Pull the bar straight up towards your chin, keeping it close to your body. Concentrate on either pulling with your traps or the front of your shoulders, depending on what you want to work most. Lower slowly to the starting position. Don't cheat by leaning forward or backward. Don't swing! The targeted muscles are Traps, Biceps, and Shoulders.

Upright Cable Row

• Standing upright, grasp a straight bar connected to a cable machine with your hands about shoulder width apart. Let the bar hang straight down in front of you. Keep your body and wrists straight. Pull the bar straight up towards your chin, keeping it close to your body. Concentrate on either pulling with your traps or the front of your shoulders, depending on what you want to work most. Lower slowly to the starting position. Don't cheat by leaning forward or backward. Don't swing! The targeted muscles are Traps, and Shoulders.

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... is the 345th day of the year (346th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Additional images

Muscles of head and neck. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...	Occipital bone. Outer surface. Image File history File links Gray129. ...	Left clavicle. Superior surface. Image File history File links Gray200. ...	Left scapula. Dorsal surface. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (591x850, 63 KB) File history Legend: (cur) = this is the current file, (del) = delete this old version, (rev) = revert to this old version. ...
Section of the neck at about the level of the sixth cervical vertebra. Image File history File links Gray384. ...	Muscles of the neck. Anterior view. Image File history File links Gray386. ...	Superficial dissection of the right side of the neck, showing the carotid and subclavian arteries. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (725x800, 170 KB) Same as Gray520. ...	The arteries of the face and scalp. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (600x614, 189 KB) File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Temporal arteritis Wikipedia:Grays Anatomy images with missing articles 11 Facial artery Superficial temporal artery List of...
The triangles of the neck. Image File history File links Gray512. ...	The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 512 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (620 × 726 pixel, file size: 120 KB, MIME type: image/png) Same as Gray805. ...	Hypoglossal nerve, cervical plexus, and their branches. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (638x700, 172 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages link to this file: Hypoglossal nerve Wikipedia:Grays Anatomy images with missing articles 16 List of images in Grays Anatomy: IX. Neurology ...	Anterolateral view of head and neck. Image File history File links Gray1194. ...
Front view of neck. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...	Surface anatomy of the back. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (504x700, 119 KB) Summary Licensing File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Wikipedia:Grays Anatomy images with missing articles 25 Teres major muscle List of images in...	The left side of the thorax. Image File history File links Gray1215. ...

External links

• LUC trap
• 724893774 at GPnotebook
• Illustration at preventdisease.com
• Muscles/TrapeziusUpper at exrx.net
• Photograph at mgccc.cc.ms.us

This article was originally based on an entry from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy. As such, some of the information contained herein may be outdated. Please edit the article if this is the case, and feel free to remove this notice when it is no longer relevant. A garden sign welcomes residents and visitors to Rogers Park as home of Loyola University Chicago. ... GPnotebook is a British medical database for general practitioners (GPs. ... The public domain comprises the body of all creative works and other knowledge—writing, artwork, music, science, inventions, and others—in which no person or organization has any proprietary interest. ... An illustration from the 1918 edition Henry Grays Anatomy of the Human Body (or Grays Anatomy as it has more commonly become known) is an anatomy textbook widely regarded as a classic work on human anatomy. ...