This position allows the muscles in the scapula-thoracic area and in the cervical spine to relax. Create your account, Already registered? Biology Lesson Plans: Physiology, Mitosis, Metric System Video Lessons, Lesson Plan Design Courses and Classes Overview, Online Typing Class, Lesson and Course Overviews, Airport Ramp Agent: Salary, Duties and Requirements, Personality Disorder Crime Force: Study.com Academy Sneak Peek. Get the unbiased info you need to find the right school. Levator scapulae in Latin simply means elevation of the scapula. Scapula is another name for the shoulder blade; it is the flat, triangularly shaped bone that sits on top of the upper part of your rib cage. credit-by-exam regardless of age or education level. The levator scapulae muscle is innervated by the anterior rami of spinal nerves C3 and … The levator scapulae attaches at the top corner/angle of the scapula – called the angulus superior – and at the first four vertebrae of your cervical spine. There are two of these muscles, one on the left, and one on the right side of the back of the neck. Learn the anatomy of the levator scapulae muscle with our handy trunk wall muscle anatomy chart. Levator scapulae pain is commonly felt as trigger points in the neck, but it also causes restricted movement and for some folks it can even cause some pretty nasty headaches. 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This may explain the constant trigger point and crepitation as well as the increased heat emission found on thermography. Think back to when you were in grade school. This study suggests that this syndrome, leading to bursitis and pain, may be caused by anatomic variations of the insertion of the levator scapulae and origin of the serratus anterior. Study.com has thousands of articles about every Insertion: Medial border of the scapula from pointed edge close to origin of the spine of the superior angle of the scapula (11, 19) Levator Scapulae Muscle Innervation. Original treatments include cortisone injections and physical therapy. credit by exam that is accepted by over 1,500 colleges and universities. ACTION. The levator scapulae muscle is innervated by the anterior rami of spinal nerves C3 and C4 and the dorsal scapular nerve (C5), a branch of the brachial plexus. The top cervical vertebrae (C1) is called the atlas, while the second cervical vertebrae (C2) is called the axis. Raises medial border of scapula. The levator scapulae originates from the posterior tubercle of the transverse process of cervical vertebrae one to four. imaginable degree, area of When the teacher asked you a question, and you knew the answer, what did you do? Lapaluun elevaatio (kohotus) Kaularangan lateraaliflexio (sivutaivutus) And even if there is no radiculopathy involved, when a Levator TP goes into hyperdrive, it can pull hard enough at C1 to totally lock the neck — especially in left and right rotation (common). Levator Scapulae Muscle Levator Scapulae Muscle. The levator scapulae is a muscle that is located at the posterior or back sides of the neck. The superior aspect of the levator scapulae is covered by sternocleidomastoid, and its inferior part by trapezius. The Lev Scap may lie deep to the sternocleidomastoid at its origin, deep to the splenius capitis at its mid-portion, and deep to the trapezius at its lower portion. 's' : ''}}. When acting on the cervical joints, unilateral contraction of the muscle produces ipsilateral flexion of the neck, while bilateral contraction contributes to extension of the neck. Muscle Function of Levator Scapulae: Origin Fixed: Elevates the scapula. first two years of college and save thousands off your degree. Rhomboid major Muscle Origin. 2020 Standring, S. (2016). Levator Scapula: Situated at the back and side of the neck Origin: Dorsal tubercles of the transverse processes of C1-C4 Insertion: Superior angle and medial border of the scapula Action: Elevates the scapula and rotates its inferior angle medially , Works in combination with the rhomboids and the pectoralis minor to rotate the scapula downwards 4. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Reading time: 4 minutes. Kenhub. Transverse process of vertebrae C1-C4; Insertion. The levator scapulae (L. levator, elevator ; scapulae, shoulder blades.) Levator scapulae is a posterior Axio-appenducular muscle that connects the upper limb to the vertebral column and lies in the posterior triangle of the neck. LEVATORSCAPULAE. Dr. Ebraheim’s educational animated video describes the anatomy of Levator Scapulae muscle. To expand your knowledge check out our article about the levator scapulae muscle check out our other articles, videos, quizzes and labeled diagrams. {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}} lessons Visit the Muscles of the Body for Health Professionals page to learn more. Posterior tubercles of transverse processes of C1-4. How Do I Use Study.com's Assign Lesson Feature? ORIGIN : LEVATOR SCAPULAE ORIGIN INSERTION; The levator scapulae originates on the posterior tubercle of transverse process of cervical vertebrae 1 to 4. Common causes include carrying heavy shoulder bags, permanent lifting of the shoulders while sitting at a desk and sleeping on one side of the body without proper head support. Due to the nature of this injury, these treatments do not heal, but do provide pain relief. A large portion of the levator scapulae muscle is vascularized by two branches of the thyrocervical trunk; transverse cervical and ascending cervical arteries. Did you know… We have over 220 college In these cases you might feel discomfort down the shoulder or on top of the scapulae. Register now Reviewer: ORIGIN. insertion: medial border: Levator Scapulae: insertion: medial border: Trapezius: insertion: spine of scapula: Deltoid: origin: spine of scapula: Supraspinatus: origin: supraspinous fossa: Infraspinatus: origin: infraspinous fossa: Teres Minor: origin: lateral border: Teres Major: origin: lateral border: Latissimus Dorsi (a few fibers, attachment may be absent) origin: inferior angle: Omohyoid: origin Medial border of scapula superior to scapular spine. … This muscle is like the over-worked back-stage prop guy of the neck. Assists in downward rotation so that the glenoid cavity faces caudally. Levator Scapulae Syndrome is when there is pain around the insertion point of the Levator Scapulae. Action: Elevates scapula. Ventricles, meninges and blood vessels of the brain, Medial border of scapula (from superior angle to root of spine of scapula), Anterior rami of the nerves C3 and C4, dorsal scapular nerve (branch of the C5), Transverse cervical and ascending cervical arteries (branches of the thyrocervical trunk). Do you know much about the origin, insertion, and action of the levator scapulae, a muscle that is located on the back sides of the neck? Log in or sign up to add this lesson to a Custom Course. Only the middle part of the levator scapulae remains uncovered. Medial border of scapula (from superior angle to spine) Actions. Levator scapulae is a long and slender muscle that anatomically belongs to the superficial layer of extrinsic muscles of the back. The origination starts from the transverse processes of the atlas and the axis as well as the posterior tubercle of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae. In addition, the middle part helps to form the floor of the posterior triangle of the neck. Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). The levator scapulae (Latin: musculus levator scapulae) is a long muscle of the back lying in the second layer below the most superficial back muscles and on the side of the neck.It may also be categorized as a muscle of the shoulder. Therefore, when you lowered your arm in class, the levator scapulae muscle both elevated and medially rotated your scapula/shoulder blade. The muscle fibers descend laterally to insert at the superior angle and medial border of scapula, between the superior angle and base of the spine of scapula. The levator scapulae is a muscle located on each side of the neck, situated posteriorly (in the back). You'll find tables clearly showing you the attachments, innervations and functions of every muscle in this region. Then, place the ball on the levator scapulae area and start to roll it and down the side of your neck (avoid the spine). You can test out of the When viewed from the posterior, the muscles are masked by the trapezius muscle in the upper back. It courses downwards and laterally to insert onto the medial border of the scapula at the level of the scapular spine. Innervation. As the affected patients may have no clear complaints, the correct diagnosis is often made too late. Generally, you will experience a decrease in the range of motion in that area on the dominant side of the body, an increase in muscle tone and a deep aching pain in the area. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. Levator Scapulae. 1 Origin; 2 Insertion; 3 Actions; 4 Vascular Supply; 5 Nerve; 6 Clinical Significance; 7 See Also; 8 References; Origin. Levator Scapulae: Definition, Function & Innervation, Quiz & Worksheet - Levator Scapulae Muscle, Over 83,000 lessons in all major subjects, {{courseNav.course.mDynamicIntFields.lessonCount}}, What is the Platysma Muscle? Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is for your information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Additionally, this muscle pulls the scapula medially, or in toward the middle of the body. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Working Scholars® Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Anyone can earn Levator Scapulae Muscle Action. LEVATOR SCAPULAE. It is named for its action in elevating or “lifting” the scapula and the word levator is the latin word for “to lift”. It acts on the scapula and cervical spine, and as its name reveals, its most prominent role is scapular elevation. Levator scapulae originates from the transverse processes of the first four cervical vertebrae. Lest we forget, there are other major muscles in the area — chiefly the Rhomboids and Trapezius, the latter lying over the top of the former — in which Trigger Points can cause similar pains. From WikiSM. Netter, F. (2014). The cervical vertebrae are bones of the spinal column that are found in the neck, and the transverse processes are the bony parts of the vertebrae that protrude diagonally out the back sides of the vertebrae. Advantages of Self-Paced Distance Learning, Texas Native American Tribes: History & Culture, The Ransom of Red Chief: Theme, Conflict & Climax, Real Estate Agent & Broker Conduct in New Hampshire, Captain Beatty in Fahrenheit 451: Character Analysis & Quotes, Quiz & Worksheet - Irony in Orwell's 1984, Quiz & Worksheet - Impact of Density & Buoyancy on Plate Tectonics, Quiz & Worksheet - The Iliad Meaning & Purpose, Quiz & Worksheet - Homer's Portrayal of the Gods in The Iliad, Flashcards - Real Estate Marketing Basics, Flashcards - Promotional Marketing in Real Estate, Common Core English & Reading Worksheets & Printables, What is Summative Assessment? INSERTION. Origin: Transverse processes of cervical vertebrae CI to C4. Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). It is known to reside at the side and back of the neck. The insertion point, or ending point, of the levator scapulae muscle is the scapula. Actions on the shoulder (scapula):. Dan has taught college Nutrition, Anatomy, Physiology, and Sports Nutrition courses and has a master's degree in Dietetics & Nutrition. Additionally, levator scapulae acts with the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles to inferiorly rotate the glenoid cavity, stabilize the spine, and extend and laterally flex the neck. Its primary function is to lift the scapula, which is the triangle-shaped bone located at the back of the shoulder that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) with the clavicle (collarbone). Insertion Fixed and Acting Unilaterally: Laterally flexes the cervical vertebrae, and rotates toward the same side. Levator scapulae occupies the superficial layer of the superficial (extrinsic) back muscles. The scapula is a triangular-shaped bone located on each side of the upper back, behind the shoulders. Levator scapulae muscle (Musculus levator scapulae) - Yousun Koh. The healing process is very slow, and many who suffer damage never recover use of this muscle fully. Services. Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver, Author: As you raised your hand, your scapula (shoulder blade) actually moved downward, and as you lowered your hand back down, your scapula moved back up to its normal position (however, you most likely weren't thinking about this when you raised your hand to answer your teacher's question). Copyright © - Definition & Function, Digastric Muscle: Action, Origin & Insertion, Digastric Muscle: Definition, Function & Innervation, Omohyoid Muscle: Function, Origin & Innervation, Longus Colli Muscle: Action, Origin & Insertion, Scalene Muscles: Function, Innervation & Action, Obliquus Capitis Muscles: Inferior & Superior, Semispinalis Capitis: Action, Origin & Insertion, Semispinalis Capitis: Definition, Function & Innervation, Splenius Capitis Muscle: Definition, Origin & Action, Muscles of the Body for Health Professionals, Biological and Biomedical Transverse processes of C1-4. The levator scap brings the shoulder blade, or scapula, up, which is a … © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Press more on the ball whenever you get on a tender area that feels like a trigger point. study Elevates and downwardly rotates scapula. Where is the levator scapulae muscle located? Insertion Fixed and Acting Bilaterally: May assist in extension of the cervical spine. 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