Anatomy Atlas

Levator scapulae

Musculus levator scapulae
MuscledraftMSK

Strap-like muscle from the upper cervical transverse processes to the superior angle of the scapula. It elevates the scapula and is a frequent source of neck and shoulder stiffness.

Core anatomy

Location

Posterolateral neck, forming part of the floor of the posterior triangle, deep to trapezius and sternocleidomastoid.

Group

Superficial extrinsic back muscles (with the rhomboids, deep to trapezius).

Origin

Posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1–C4.

Insertion

Medial border of the scapula from the superior angle to the root of the spine.

Innervation

Dorsal scapular nerve (C5) and cervical plexus branches (C3–C4).

Blood supply

Dorsal scapular artery and branches of the transverse cervical and ascending cervical arteries.

Action
  • Elevates the scapula; rotates the glenoid downward (with the rhomboids)
  • With the scapula fixed, laterally flexes and extends the neck
Relations

Lies in the floor of the posterior triangle; the spinal accessory nerve crosses superficial to it.

Mentioned in

Generated automatically from links in other entries.

Posterior view of the back: trapezius and latissimus dorsi on the left; on the right, trapezius removed to show levator scapulae, rhomboid minor and major and serratus posterior inferior; the lumbar triangle is labelled
Levator scapulae and the rhomboids exposed on the right of the figure after removal of trapezius.
Henry Vandyke Carter, Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body, 20th ed. (1918), Fig. 409. Source · Public domain (Public domain in the US: published before January 1, 1931 (per Wikimedia Commons))

Clinical correlations

Levator scapulae syndrome ("stiff neck")

Mechanism / lesion

Muscle strain or spasm from posture (phone and desk use), sleeping position, or carrying bags on one shoulder.

Classic presentation

Pain at the superior angle of the scapula and side of the neck, limited neck rotation toward the affected side, and a tender trigger point near the superior angle.

High-yield PANCE pearls

  • Levator scapulae: C1–C4 transverse processes → superior angle of scapula; elevates the scapula.
  • Tender superior angle of the scapula + limited neck rotation → levator scapulae strain.

Imaging anatomy

MRI

Rarely needed; excludes cervical spine pathology if neurologic signs or red flags are present.

Physical exam

Surface landmarks

Palpable at the superior angle of the scapula, deep to trapezius.

Palpation

Palpate the insertion at the superior angle for tenderness.

Strength / function testing

Resisted shoulder elevation (with trapezius); neck rotation and lateral flexion stretch it.

Self-quiz

Q1.

Where does levator scapulae insert?

Show answer

B

Levator scapulae inserts on the superior angle and medial border of the scapula above the spine.

Q2.

Levator scapulae arises from which vertebrae?

Show answer

A

It arises from the posterior tubercles of the transverse processes of C1–C4.

Q3.

Which combination of muscles elevates the scapula?

Show answer

B

The upper trapezius and levator scapulae elevate the scapula (shrugging).

Flashcards

See also