Levator Scapulae

Origin

The levator scapulae originates from the:

- transverse processes of the atlas (first cervical vertebra) and axis (second cervical vertebra);

- posterior tubercles of transverse processes of the third and fourth cervical vertebrae.

Insertion

The fibers of the levator scapulae travel inferolaterally and insert, via a broad tendon, onto the:

- medial aspect of the superior angle of scapula;

- portion of the medial border of the scapula that lies superior to the spine of the scapula.

Key Features & Anatomical Relations

The levator scapulae is an extrinsic muscle of the back and is found in the lateral cervical region of the neck. It is a thin, strap-like type of skeletal muscle.

It is located:

- superficial to the serratus posterior superior muscle;

- deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle (at its superior end) and the trapezius muscle (at its inferior end), and the accessory nerve;

- medial to the supraspinatus muscle (at its inferior end);

- lateral to the splenius colli, longissimus colli and rhomboid minor muscles.

The levator scapulae muscle contributes to the formation of the floor of the lateral cervical region.

Actions

The levator scapulae is involved in multiple actions:

- elevates the pectoral (shoulder) girdle at the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints;

- downwardly rotates the pectoral girdle at the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints.

- during unilateral contraction, it laterally flexes the neck to the same side at the cervical vertebral joints;

- during bilateral contraction, it extends the neck at the cervical vertebral joints (Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2009).

References

Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2009) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.