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Levator scapulae

Contents

Anatomy

Levator scapula - posterior
Levator scapula - posterolateral
Levator scapula - anterolateral
Levator scapulae - posteromedial

Position

  • Deep

Origin

  • Processus transversi C1-C4

Insertion

  • Angulus superior scapula
  • Superior medial aspect of the scapula
  • Root of the spina scapula

Main function

  • Scapula
    • Elevation
  • Neck
    • Extension
    • Lateral flexion

Secondary function

  • Neck
    • Ipsilateral rotation
  • Scapula
    • Downward rotation
    • Retraction

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental: C3-C5
  • Peripheral: Nervus dorsalis scapula

Arterial supply

  • Dorsal scapular artery

Referred pain pattern

Levator scapula - pain pattern

Muscle type

  • Postural
    • Shortens when stressed

Symptoms

  • Stiffness of neck, loss of cervical rotation
  • Torticollis
  • Elevated shoulders
  • Head tilt

Muscular attachments

Videos

Short version

Detailed version

Notes of clinical importance

  • Relating to the shoulder motion, and particularly abduction. The levator scapula is seen to be concentrically active during the first 90 degrees of motion, and eccentrically active in the last 90 degree of abduction of the shoulder. This may create problems with normal shoulder mobility when there is tension present in the levator scapula. It will also apply increased force to the cervical spine during shoulder abduction - thereby possibly giving rise to cervical joint tissue distortion and pain. Study
  • A study showed that giving strength exercises for the middle and lower trapezius muscles, and stretching exercises for the upper trapezius and levator scapula was benefical and effective for upper crossed syndrome. Study
  • Jaw clenching affects the tension of levator scapula together with sternocleidomastoideus, trapezius, and splenius capitis. These co-contractions are within 3-10% of maximum voluntary contraction. Study

MyoFascial lines

Deep dorsal arm line

Addition

  • The fascia of levator scapula is also continous with the serratus anterior in macaques, so there might be a connection in humans as well where it could be considered a part of the spiral line. Looking at the origin and insertion of the two muscles in human anatomy shows the close connection of the muscles. The study can be found here

Synergists

Elevation scapula

  • Trapezius
  • Rhomboideus Major and Minor
  • Serratus Anterior
  • Pectoralis Major

Extension neck

  • Trapezius
  • Splenius Capitis
  • Splenius Cervicis
  • Iliocostalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Longissimus (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Spinalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Semispinalis (Transversospinalis)
  • Multifidus (Transversospinalis)
  • Rotatores (Transversospinalis)
  • Rectus Capitis Posterior Major
  • Interspinales

Lateral flexion neck

  • Trapezius
  • Sternocleidomastoideus
  • Splenius Capitis
  • Splenius Cervicis
  • Scaleni
  • Iliocostalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Longissimus (part of Erector Spinae
  • Spinalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Semispinalis (part of Transversospinalis)
  • Multfidus (part of Transversospinalis)
  • Longus Colli
  • Longus Capitis
  • Intertransversarii

 

Antagonists

Depression scapula

  • Trapezius (lower)
  • Pectoralis Minor
  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Pectoralis Major
  • Serratus Anterior

Flexion neck

  • Sternocleidomastoideus
  • Scaleni
  • Longus Colli
  • Longus Capitis

Lateral flexion (opposite side)

  • Trapezius
  • Sternocleidomastoideus
  • Splenius Capitis
  • Splenius Cervicis
  • Scaleni
  • Levator Scapulae
  • Iliocostalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Longissimus (part of Erector Spinae
  • Spinalis (part of Erector Spinae)
  • Semispinalis (part of Transversospinalis)
  • Multfidus (part of Transversospinalis)
  • Longus Colli
  • Longus Capitis
  • Intertransversarii